Born on September 3, 1945, Jean was raised by her grandmother, whom she affectionately called Momma. From an early age, she showed a strong work ethic and a love for learning. Her first job was with Life and Casualty Insurance, but her true calling was in education.
Jean began as a teacher’s aide at Mowbray Elementary, where she worked for five years before pursuing higher education. She attended Chattanooga State and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her Bachelor of Science degree. She later earned her Master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene College.
Jean dedicated over 30 years to teaching, with 24 of those years at John Allen Elementary. She touched countless young lives with her patience, wisdom, and kind heart.
On September 18, 1965, Jean married the love of her life, Charlie Ritchie. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, recently celebrating their anniversary on September 18, 2025.
Jean and Charlie were faithful members of Abba’s House since 1991, where Jean joyfully served by teaching Sunday School and sharing her love of Scripture with others.
Jean was a smart, compassionate, and loving woman who cherished her family deeply. She was blessed with many nieces and nephews who adored her. She also had a great love for flowers, Elvis, Disney, and above all, her faith in Jesus.
Jean’s life was one of service, love, and devotion—to her family, her students, her church, and her Savior. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of kindness and faith will live on in the many lives she touched.
The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, October 4, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Jean’s life will follow at 2 pm on Saturday at the North Chapel with Lea Martin officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Hearth Hospice.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
