Doris Jean Scholefield

October 30, 1939 – March 21, 2024

Jean Scholefield died peacefully on March 21, 2024. She was born in Texas City, Texas on October 30, 1939 to Doris and Bill McBride. A treasured only child, Jean showed her strong-will and theatrical nature from birth. “I was born on a dirt road with a ditch in front” was her nod to her childhood. From there she went on to explore the world – traveling on the Orient Express, going on safari in Africa, walking the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia and circumventing the globe by ship.

Jean attended Texas Christian University. She graduated in 1957 with a degree in drama and moved to Dallas where she taught elementary school by day and performed by night. She adored “the sound of applause bursting…flowers at my feet and rave reviews in the Ft. Worth Telegram.” Then in a red Chevy convertible, she moved to the “land of sunlight and honey – San Francisco.”

Jean went on to earn her teaching credential at San Jose State and later a master’s degree in early childhood education, with a concentration in literature. For 25 years, she opened the world to her Salinas Valley third grade students by adding opera and playwriting to her curriculum and bringing in delicacies, such as finger sandwiches and caviar, for them to sample. A bit of etiquette, how to properly dispose of a bite of food that disagrees with your palate, was on her teaching menu too.

In 1968, the theatre called Jean back to the Golden Bough Circle Theatre. There she met the love of her life, Wilfred Scholefield. Theirs was a rare and wonderful love. They married in 1973 and proceeded to entertain, travel the world, and adventure together until Wilfred’s passing in 2017. Jean’s third and final act was moving to Carmel Valley Manor where she made many wonderful friends and lived out her final years.

Jean was a rare personality: charismatic, intelligent, entertaining, and charming. People truly enjoyed her presence and often joined organizations or boards because nothing was dull when Jean was present. Even when she tried being a supporting actor, her audience made her the star.

Jean was a devoted member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church and took great pride in the work she did towards funding the St. Andre’s School in Haiti. She was an active member of the Casa Abrego Club, the Peninsula Club, and the Posh Ladies. She was an ardent supporter of the theater, local music festivals, and the many charities that touched her heart.

Donations may be made in remembrance of Jean to St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 28005 Robinson Canyon Road, Carmel, CA 93923 or to the donor’s favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Carmel Valley on Saturday, April 20th, 11:06 a.m. with a reception to follow. That is not a typo, Jean was born at 11:06, married at 11:06, and wanted her funeral to start at 11:06!

At a later date, her ashes will be interred with Wilfred’s at St. Mary’s Columbarium Memorial Garden.