“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV) The town of Lowndesboro did not have to look far to find exactly that in Mrs. Jean McVay McCurdy. The morning of May 18, 2022, “Grandma Jean” left this world in the same way she lived in it: beloved, revered, and exquisitely timeless. To anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her, there is no doubt that she entered Heaven’s gates soon after.
Jean was born February 1, 1929, in Salitpa, AL to Katie Lou E and Mitchell Chapman McVay. She was then blessed with a lifelong friend in her younger sister, Florence “Flo” Stewart McVay. As a family, they served the Lord and were members of the Salitpa Methodist Church where Jean was baptized as an infant.
With a passion for academics, Jean graduated Jackson High School and went on to study at Huntingdon College. After one year there, she transferred to the University of Montevallo where she obtained a degree in Biology and her teaching certificate.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26 KJV) Jean enriched the minds’ and lives’ of her students at: Hayneville High School, Lanier High School, Lee High School, Morgan Academy, and Lowndes Academy. To this day, she is referred to as “my favorite teacher” by many of her former students.
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her…” (Proverbs 31:11 KJV) Jean married Caswell Garrett McCrudy Sr. on June 27, 1954. 67 years later, Jean still referred to Caswell as “the love of my life.” Caswell reciprocated that same love, staying by her side sun-up to sun-down in the weeks leading up to her passing.
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28) Jean and Caswell joyfully raised two wonderful sons together, Mitchell Garrett McCurdy (Rachel) and Caswell Garrett McCurdy Jr. (Dale). They celebrated the arrival of five adored grandchildren: Chapman Frazer McCurdy (Jordan), Laura Jean McCurdy, Mason Caswell McCurdy, Matthew Lee McCurdy (Laken), and Mallory Kate McCurdy. Followed by three great-grandchildren, Stella June McCurdy, Caswell Garrett McCurdy III, and Sarah Chapman McCurdy. In her own writing, “Grandma Jean” stated how much she loved her family and how proud she was of all of them.
After she and Caswell wed, Jean was confirmed in Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church where she became the first female Vestry. Jean faithfully served the Lord and her church all the days of her life and dearly loved her church family.
Jean lovingly served her community of Lowndesboro. She was a member of the Lowndes County Historic Society, the Lowndesboro Heritage Society, and the Lowndesboro Landmarks Foundation. Even after retiring from education, she continued to support Lowndes Academy. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandchildren play sports for the Rebels. Even after they’d all graduated, she could still be found at Rebel Field on Friday nights in the Fall.
Jean was not only known for her kind, servant’s heart but also for her passions. She loved gardening and had a true talent for assembling beautiful floral arrangements. She was also gifted with culinary skills and loved feeding her family delicious meals. Baking chocolate chip cookies and muffins with her grandchildren was a joyous past-time of hers.
“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:29 KJV) Jean McCurdy was a prime illustration of a Proverbs 31 woman. We are all better for having known her and will miss her all the days of our lives. But we grieve with hope, knowing she heard “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when she met Jesus face to face.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Katie and Mitchell McVay, sister Flo McVay, and great-grandson Wells McCurdy. She is survived by: husband Caswell McCurdy; sons Garrett McCurdy (Rachel) and Cas McCurdy (Dale); grandchildren Frazer McCurdy (Jordan), Laura Jean McCurdy, Mason McCurdy, Matthew McCurdy (Laken) and Mallory McCurdy; great-grandchildren Stella McCurdy and Sarah Chapman McCurdy.
A graveside service honoring Jean McVay McCurdy will be held at Oakview Cemetery in Lowndesboro, AL at 2:00 on Friday, May 20, 2022. All that wish to celebrate the beautiful life of this beloved lady are invited to attend. Paul bearers: Billy McCurdy, David McCurdy, Ed McCurdy, Keith McCurdy, Frazer McCurdy, Matthew McCurdy, and Mason McCurdy.
In lieu of flowers, Jean requested donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Lowndesboro or Lowndes Academy.
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