Jean Opal Paul

Jean grew up in New Castle and participated in many joyous activities in her early life such as roller skating and walking to movies downtown. She worked at the Jameson Memorial Hospital and a tobacco growing farm in Connecticut during these years.

Jean married Gomer Montgomery after a brief courtship on July 31, 1948. Their adventures included a memorable honeymoon to Washington DC, where even the road was visible from inside their car. Gomer was drafted and Jean insisted she go visit him in boot camp in Kentucky where they had many memorable experiences.

While Gomer was in Korea, Jean worked as a family caregiver taking care of children for a couple of years until he returned.

In 1959, they adopted their son, Russell, and lived in New Castle until 1978. They moved to Sarasota, FL and Jean loved beach life, especially sailing, picnics and nighttime walks along the shore. They remained in Florida until Gomer’s passing in 1995.

Jean later moved to Georgia to be near her son and married Brayton Paul in 2003. They lived in Ocala, FL before settling in Acworth in 2006, where they remained together until Brayton’s passing. Jean

spent her later years at Celebration Village in Kennesaw and Merrill Gardens in Woodstock, where she formed many special friendships.

Jean was a long-time member of various United Methodist churches where she lived. Her church life brought her great joy from both service and community. Jean loved volunteering, and was known for bringing smiles to others, including as a purple-haired clown.

Jean is survived by her son Russell Montgomery and his wife Michelle (Daughter in Love), daughter Sandee Nygren and granddaughter Heather and her family, stepdaughters Joy Singletary and granddaughter Megan and her family, Donna Dennis, cherished siblings, Fred Gere and his wife Nancy, Kathie Attisano and her husband Joe, plus many special nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by husbands, Gomer Montgomery and Brayton Paul, her sister Phyllis Fobes and stepsons Brayton Paul Jr and Randy Paul.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.