Jean Tedder Combs

Jean Tedder Combs, lovingly known as Jean, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on April 11, 1944, in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Opal Emley (Comer) and Robert “Maurice” Tedder. She gave her life to Christ at a young age.

Jean’s life was defined by love, faith, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She possessed a rare gift for making every place feel like home and every person feel welcome. Whether through her warm smile, her beautiful singing voice, her eye for decorating, or her generous heart, she left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Combs. As a proud Navy wife throughout Larry’s 21-year career in the United States Navy, Jean embraced the adventures and challenges of military life with grace and resilience. Their journey together took them to Charleston, South Carolina; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Elkton, Maryland; and Orlando, Florida. No matter where they lived, Jean created a home filled with love, laughter, and stability for her family.

Following Larry’s retirement from the Navy, they returned to North Carolina and settled in Clemmons, where they purchased the home Jean had always dreamed of. It became the gathering place for family celebrations, holidays, and countless treasured memories, remaining their home for the rest of their lives together.

Jean was a devoted mother to Melody Combs of Clemmons, Brian Combs of Forest Oaks, and Steve Combs of Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lori Skoglund, whose passing in 2023 left an emptiness in her heart that was never filled. She was an immensely proud grandmother and a loving great-grandmother.

She is also survived by her brother, Jack Tedder (Janet), and her stepbrother, William Emley (Debbie). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Joann Tedder, and her stepfather, Oscar Emley.

Music was one of Jean’s lifelong passions. While living in Florida during the 1970s, she became an accomplished singer with the award-winning Sound of Sunshine Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. She treasured the friendships she made through music and continued to enjoy singing throughout her life. In later years, one of her favorite traditions was traveling to Myrtle Beach with Larry to attend live music shows, creating memories they both cherished.

Jean’s creativity extended far beyond music. She had an extraordinary talent for decorating and an instinctive ability to see beauty where others might not. She loved exploring estate sales, antique shops, and garage sales for hidden treasures, transforming ordinary finds into warm and inviting spaces. Her home reflected her creativity, hospitality, and impeccable eye for design.

Decades before Airbnb and Facebook Marketplace existed, Jean and Larry built a successful furnished apartment rental business together, welcoming countless tenants into apartments that reflected Jean’s decorating talents and Larry’s craftsmanship. Together, they also restored and sold furniture through the pages of the Thrifty-Nickle, combining hard work, ingenuity, and a true entrepreneurial spirit. Their business was more than a livelihood—it was a reflection of the partnership they shared throughout their marriage.

Above all, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother whose encouragement, kindness, and unconditional love shaped generations. Her Christian faith quietly guided her life and was reflected in the compassion, humility, and generosity she extended to others every day.

Those who knew Jean will remember her beautiful voice, creative spirit, warm hospitality, adventurous heart, and steadfast love. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—sharing meals with family, discovering hidden treasures, traveling with Larry, attending music shows, and opening her home to those she loved. She lived with grace, embraced new opportunities with enthusiasm, and left every place she touched just a little more beautiful than she found it.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jean’s life. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm at Friends Baptist Church, Clemmons. A funeral service will follow starting at 4 pm at the church. Jean will be laid to rest at Salisbury National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jean’s honor may be made to Friends Baptist Church, the Young at Heart Sunday School Class at Friends Baptist Church, both of Clemmons, North Carolina, or Bermuda Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Advance, North Carolina.