Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Gracie Hutson; her brothers, Charles Hutson and Edward Hutson; her sister, Dorothy Troupe; and her son, Roger Ellithorpe.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Norris Ellithorpe; her daughter, Ronda (Eugene) Melton; her granddaughters, Amber (Russell) Anderson, Lacie Melton, and Tiffanie (Justin) Whitaker; four great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jean and Norris shared a love story that began when they were teenagers. They first met when Jean was 15 years old, although she was not allowed to date until she turned 16. Not long after, Norris was drafted into the United States Army, and Jean waited for him throughout the two years he was away. The two married when Jean was 19 and went on to share 71 happy years of marriage together.
Faith was also an important and lasting part of Jean’s life. For six decades, she was a devoted member of the Church of Christ at Broadmoor. Nashville was home for most of her life, and in her later years, Jean had the opportunity to trade city life for a quieter home in the country.
Jean leaves behind a family shaped by more than seven decades of marriage and a lifetime of memories. She will be deeply missed by husband Norris, daughter Ronda, and grandchildren, her extended family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
