Sylvia Jean Breed

Sylvia Jean Breed passed peacefully in her sleep on January 6th, 2026 at 102 years young. She was a resident of Guilford County for 65 years. Jean was born on her family’s farm in Phoenix, Arizona to parents James and Amy Carlton on April 20,1923. Jean, had two brothers, Gar and Thomas, and two sisters, Genevieve and Frances.

As a child, Jean excelled at piano and later attended the University of Arizona for music. While in school, she was swept off her feet by Carroll H. Breed Jr, whom she met at a dance hosted for the men training at the nearby Army Air Corp base. They quickly fell in love and married on July 1st, 1944 at the Ephrata Army Base Chapel. Carroll served as a Fighter Pilot until the end of the war,

After Carroll returned, the couple moved to Lansing, Michigan, so Carroll could finish his degree. During that time, Jean gave birth to their first daughter, Marsha. Once her husband graduated, the small family moved to Beaver Falls in upstate New York close to Carroll’s family. It was quite different going from the dry heat of Arizona to all that snow. Settling in to the area, Jean began playing the organ at the church they attended. By 1956 the couple’s family had expanded by two more daughters, Leslie and Gail.

In 1961 the family of 5 moved to Greensboro, NC. Jean attended UNCG to continue her education in music and for the next 20 years she taught piano from the family’s home. Jean ‘s love of music led her to be involved in the formation of the Music Teacher Association and she always had season tickets to the Greensboro Symphony. The family joined Christ United Methodist Church where Jean stayed very active in the church, volunteering as a greeter and working in the kitchens for the Welcome Wednesday meals until 2020. In 1967, her husband started a loose-leaf binder company, Visual Products. Together they built a company that spanned 3 generations. She oversaw shipping and inventory until she was 95.

Jean and her family took many a road trip in the summer time creating lasting memories for everyone. She and her husband had a wonderful time square dancing and were part of the Tarheels Couples Club – they made many friends during that period. As a couple they travelled extensively around the United States, with a favorite trip being to Hawaii.

When her husband Carroll passed in 1996, Jean decided to travel the world. She visited counties such as Germany, Italy, England and Switzerland, among others. Her travel companions at home and abroad included her sister Frances, her daughters, and several of her grandchildren.

Jean accomplished so much in her life because she always maintained a “don’t give up” attitude. She remained active all of her life, supporting and enjoying her family and friends. She is well loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Jean leaves behind her three daughters, Marsha, Leslie and Gail (Gary), 6 grandchildren, Amy (Ken), Andrew (Paula), Gardner (Rebekah), Angela, Justin, and Taylor as well as 8 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held Monday January 12th, 11:00 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church. Friends will be received following the service in the gathering space at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Fisk Organ Endowment Fund at the church.