She was born to Emily Jefferis and Samuel Ulrich Baxter on March 6, 1926. Being a 5th generation Washingtonian, she lived most of her life in and around Washington, DC. Her last move was to Raleigh in 1989.
Jean had considerable skills as an artist, and after graduating from Roosevelt High School she went to work for the War Department creating posters for WWII. She was asked to model for a poster for the Nurse Cadet Corps and then became interested in nursing as a way to serve her country.
She graduated from the Alexandria Hospital School of Nursing and worked the rest of her adult life as a Registered Nurse.
Jean met her husband, Ralph, at a cousin’s wedding. They were married in 1948 and had 3 children.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Ralph Pletcher and grandson: Jason A Pletcher.
She is survived by her son, Robert A Pletcher and wife Linda.
Grandson Thomas Pletcher and wife Anh, and great-grandson Samuel.
Her son, John A Pletcher and wife, Sally.
Her daughter, Nancy McFarlane and husband, Ron.
Granddaughter Katie Thompson and husband Jimmy, and great-granddaughter Madison. Granddaughter Emily Rey and husband Sebastian. Grandson Reynolds McFarlane and girlfriend Nicole Jelley.
She is also survived by her loyal miniature dachshund, Christy, who was a Christmas present 12 years ago.
She was affectionately called “Baba” because she quickly claimed the first baby babbles as short for “grandma”. She was loved to sew, needlepoint and quilt. Her family always raised dachshunds and she tended to many litters of puppies. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially at the beach.
Jean and Ralph moved to the Springmoor Community in 2007 and enjoyed their time there, making many dear friends. She was a life-long member of Little Falls Presbyterian Church in Arlington, VA and currently a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.
On Sunday, June 14, the family will receive friends at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of Neuse Rd, from 2 pm until 3:30 pm. A memorial service will follow at 3:30 pm
The family would like to thank Beth Cales, Ciera Bunch and Monicalynne Eason for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church or the Transitions LifeCare to support their wonderful work in end-of-life care.
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