Jean Parrish Dinkins

Jean was born on November 12, 1935, in Durham County to James Lee and Mae Brinkley Parrish. She grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, and graduated from Boyden High School in 1954. She went on to earn a degree in Business Education from the University of North Carolina Women’s College in 1958.

Throughout her career, Jean held a variety of administrative roles, including positions at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and AWH Corporation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee “Bob” Dinkins. She is survived by her loving family: her daughter Alison Malloy (Frank); her son Robert Dinkins; her sister Donna Parrish; and her cherished granddaughter Mae Rose Malloy--as well as a large extended family of devoted cousins.

Jean nurtured many deep friendships through her membership in numerous bridge clubs, the “September Sisters,” a group of high school friends who gathered annually for beach trips that brought her great joy throughout her life. She also found companionship and community at Homestead Hills, where she lived for the past eight years.

Jean was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of First Baptist Church of Clemmons for over fifty years, where she served in various volunteer roles—including as church secretary—and found special meaning in her senior Sunday school class.

Family was always at the center of Jean’s life. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess, known for gathering loved ones and welcoming friends to the family’s lake house.

Jean was a warm, caring woman with a generous heart and a bright spirit. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Clemmons, NC on Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.