Jean Rae (Lyke) Locke, 88, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Mount Juliet, TN. She was born on June 5, 1938, in Harvard, IL, to James and Virginia Lyke (Lee). She loved horses, dogs, puzzles and playing all kinds of card games.
Jean graduated from nursing school at Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital in Knoxville, TN in 1959 and soon after joined the Air Force. She was stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, where she met her future husband, a Navy man. They married in California, where she continued her nursing career. Jean later made her home in New Mexico, Colorado and finally Missouri, where she lived for over 40 years.
Jean retired from nursing after 63 years, having faithfully served at numerous hospitals, including 4 in mid-Missouri. She carried her values of service, compassion and quiet strength with her everywhere she went.
She is survived by her twin sister, Joan Cate; her children, Deborah Chin (Locke), James Locke, David Locke; and her grandchildren, Daniel Chin, Samuel Chin, and Julianna Locke. Her memory will be carried forward in her kind and compassionate nature and nurturing spirit.
A service to honor her life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson, TN. The family will gather with family and friends from 12 to 1 pm at the funeral home, before going to the cemetery for the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a Humane Society or the ASPCA.
Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit remains with all who loved her.
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.
