Jean Olga Tallman Haythorn

97, of Seminole, FL passed away on May 15, 2010 at Largo Medical Center. Jean was born on September 28, 1912 in Newark, NJ. She grew up in Belleville, NJ and started playing piano by ear at the age of 4. Followed by violin lessons, ages 8 to 16, but her real interest was the organ. She studied with many renowned musicians in NJ and NY. Started her first job as organist at the Grace Baptist Church in Belleville at age 18. After her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Bob, and with 2 boys, they moved to CT in 1941, where she was organist/choir director at the North Congregational Church in New Hartford, CT. Next Bob was transferred to Chattanooga, TN in 1968 where she was organist for the Westminster Presbyterian Church. When Bob retired, they moved to Seminole in 1978, where Jean again was organist/choir director for many years at the Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church. She also played piano for sing-a-longs for many different organizations, including the Seminole Grads, as well as for many weddings and funerals. A highlight of her career was playing “The Grand Dutchess” organ at the Kirk of Dunedin for a series of vesper services accompanying Jimmy Roberts, of the Lawrence Welk Show. She loved to call family and friends on their birthdays and ask their favorite song and then play it for them over the phone. Jean was an Avon Rep for over 35 years. She was famous for telling jokes and had an extensive repertoire. Ever the optimist, she was greatly loved and admired by family and many friends and will be greatly missed. Retired as assistant organist at Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church culminating a nearly 80 year musical career. Jean had a remarkable and “unforgettable” life. She is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Robert L. and son, Spencer Lee, both in 1983; parents, Edgar and Olga Tallman; and sister, Marjorie. Survived by daughter, Barbara H. (Allan) Mitlyng and son, Edgar Craig, both of Las Vegas; 6 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Karen of Baltimore, MD and Carol of Canton, CT; 2 nieces; and sister-in-law, Sue Wharton of Clearwater, FL. Celebration of her life will be Saturday, May 22nd at 11am at Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church, 8505 113th St N, Seminole, FL 33772 with burial at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.