She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Charles Garman Watkins; her parents, Ava Bowden Currin and Daniel Gaston Currin, Sr.; and by four siblings, Daniel G Currin, Jr., Carroll W. Currin, Lottie Tillotson, and George S Currin.
She is survived by daughter, Ava Currin Watkins of New York City; daughter, Treva Watkins Tyson and son-in-law, David Tyson of Raleigh; and their children, Treva Hunter and Hannah Meriwether, all of Raleigh.
The second of five children, she was a farm-girl at heart having spent formative years on a tobacco farm in Middleburg, North Carolina, where she and her beloved younger brother “Bossman” were known for their mischief. Once they pulled off a prank by hiding a pony in the upstairs of the main house. Jean was a natural leader, serving as class president in High School and excelled in sports, particularly basketball.
Jean graduated from her beloved Salem College and pursued a life-long love of teaching. She met her husband through a mutual friend from Henderson while working in Richmond teaching school. After marriage, she moved to Raleigh and developed her joy of working with children the Raleigh Schools.
Jean spent her early years of their marriage starting a family. Soon with two girls, she took a brief hiatus from work, but returned and thrived in her 40 years working with the Wake County School System. She was never happier.
Socially, she and her husband were members of the Carolina Country Club where they enjoyed hours on the tennis courts and golf course with many of their friends, some from before their college days. The friendships sustained them throughout their lives, and led to many adventures and travels. They were members of the St Christopher’s Club, The Book Club, The Terpsichorean Club, and Jean particularly enjoyed the Scratch Investment Club. Jean was a member of the Junior League of Raleigh. A life-long learner, Jean constantly tried to improve her Bridge game and enjoyed many hours playing with friends.
After owning a trawler and puttering the waters of Carteret County, Jean and Charlie retired and found a home in Beaufort NC where they spent the summer and falls. Many more boats were purchased and hours passed on the local sounds and the North River. They loved spending time with their grandchildren, teaching them all about the coast they loved - crabbing, fishing, boating, almost sinking, but always having fun.
Jean was a great cook and loved all things cooking. Charlie provided the fish or shrimp or scallops he caught and she turned them into something special. She loved to grow her own vegetables and bringing her friends gifts of collard greens or homemade soup.
The family extends untold gratitude for the devotion provided by her amazing caregiving team, Darletta Perry and Sosima Negafh from Visiting Angels as well as her long term physician, Dan Mollin, MD., and Transitions LifeCare.
The visitation will be held Thursday, July 19th from 4-6 pm at Carolina Country Club, 2500 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC.
The service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held on Friday, July 20th at 11am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift is asked to make it to Transitions LifeCare, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607, 919-828-0890
Condolences may be made through www.brownwynneraleigh.com
