Jean Jackson Massey, age 94, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 after a fall and a series of health setbacks. She was born October 20, 1926 in Caldwell, GA to Prentice and Mary Jackson. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Prentice and Mary Jackson, her loving husband of 55 years, C. Patrick Massey (Pat), and her brother Prentice R. Jackson Jr. Jean is survived by her two sons, their wives, and grandchildren: Charles and Denise Massey (Patrick and Christopher), and Clay and LeAnn Massey (Meredith), and many extended family members and cherished friends.
She was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother; a member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, the outreach ministries, and the music ministries. She loved people and took a true interest in them and their families. Hospitality, service, and encouragement were her gifts, which she poured out on all, whether it be friends or people she met in the normal course of life.
She was a graduate of Talladega High School. She received her degree in Physical Education from Alabama College for Women (Montevallo). Jean began her teaching career in Pensacola, Florida, where she met and married her husband Pat. They lived in Birmingham where Jean taught for over 30 years, primarily seventh-grade Social Studies at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills. There, she and fellow teacher and close friend, Emily Hicks, developed an innovative Social Studies curriculum that was later adopted by the school board. On the occasion of her 90th birthday, a student shared a memory of her: “She was concerned not only about the subject she taught, but the character of her students,”
She loved sports and was a talented athlete, especially skilled at basketball and tennis. She even played on a semi-pro basketball team in her early 20’s. Jean enjoyed visiting with her close friends, reading, going to the beach with her family, and creating adventures for her grandchildren whenever they visited. As one of her grandchildren replied when asked who he would play with when he went to visit his grandparents, “Ma Jean will get me a friend.”
Throughout her life, her Christian faith inspired her to help others with passion and enthusiasm. Wherever she went she connected with people, encouraging them to share stories of their lives and families. On seeing them again she would ask about their children by name and other details. As one of her friends related after her death, “She made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.”
Her family would like to thank her devoted caregivers that served her so well during the last few years and weeks: Deanna Cummings, Linda Smith, Sherion Johnson, and Beryl Cook. Her family is also grateful for the excellent care from Hope Hospice, especially her nurse Amanda Clements.
Visitation will be Tuesday September 21st from 4-7 pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, Alabama.
A Memorial Service will be Wednesday September 22nd at 11 am at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, 3631 Montevallo Road in Birmingham, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Mountain Brook Baptist Church or Habitat for Humanity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Massey family.
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