Jean Mae Noetzel

Jean was born in Phila. on Feb. 1, 1938, the second of 4 children born to Edmond and Mae Margerum. Growing up she was very protective of her youngest sibling. brother Ed, and often stood up to other boys in his defense. During her high school days, she worked part time at the local five & dime store. Jean met her husband Walt through a neighbor who was married to Walt's brother. Their romance grew quickly and they were married in June, 1957 while Walt was still in the Army.

Times were difficult for Jean & Walt in the 60s and 70s requiring Walt to add part time jobs to supplement their income. In addition to being a full-time housewife and mother of 2 fast growing boys, Jean was also a part-time father. The result of all that extra effort is evident by the successful careers of their sons.

A major challenge was presented as Walt accepted a promotion within General Electric requiring their relocation to Long Beach, MS, in 1967. It was a major adjustment as Jean & Walt and their 2 sons acclimated to the Southern way of life and the (great) Public school system. During that 3 year stint they experienced one of the worst hurricanes to hit the US; Camille, in 1969.

In 1971, due to the GE contract termination, Jean & Walt relocated back to Phila. as Walt took on a new job. Another big challenge for Jean as she re-established their household and their sons back into the Phila. school system. During the next 22 years, Jean & Walt moved 3 more times in the Phila. area as Walt changed jobs again challenging Jean to re-establish their household each time.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Edmond Margerum and Mae Margerum (Roberts). She has 3 siblings, Edmond, Elizabeth, and Patricia. They have 2 sons, Garry and Thomas, 2 grandchildren, Stephanie and Thomas, and 5 great grandchildren.

Walt retired from Aon Corporation in 1993 and they moved to Greensboro, NC, established a new network of friends and neighbors, and enjoyed their remaining years.