Jean O'Callaghan

Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and service to others.

Jean was born on October 8, 1940, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Alma and Bill Dudley. She was raised in Enid, Oklahoma, with her brother, Lee and her sister, Joy. Joy was born when Jean was sixteen years old and they share a tight sister bond but also a mother-daughter mutual love. Jean attended Find High school where she developed a deep love for the arts, particularly drama and journalism. From an early age, the church was at the center of her life, and she was shaped by her mother’s dedication to religious education and her father’s commitment to his community.

In 1960, Jean’s life took a beautiful turn when she married Walter Price, a young Air Force pilot who was stationed at Vance Air Force base there in Enid. It was love at first sight. They had two children, Gina and Tonia, and lived in various cities across the United States, as Walter’s career in hotel management took them from Oklahoma to Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. Throughout these moves, Jean was deeply involved in church communities, always finding a place to serve and make lifelong friends.

In 1976, Jean's life was forever changed when Walter tragically died in a private plane crash. A single mother to two young daughters, Jean found solace and strength in her faith, her family and her community at Mt. Carmel Christian Church. She continued working as a Media Assistant at Toney Elementary School, where she flourished in supporting the educational needs of children.

In 1978, Jean found love again when she married Ted O’Callaghan, a widower who had experienced a loss similar to hers. Together, they built a life full of love, support, and service. Ted had two children from his previous marriage, Pat and Pete. Pat was married to Scott Smith and they had four children, Megan, John-Scott, Gracie and Anna. Pete was married and had two children, Enryk and Ruthly. Ted and Jean were actively involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives. Jean was “the Mimi” and was devoted to her grandchildren and blended family. Yet they made time for civic activities in Decatur, Georgia, where they served the Decatur City Council, Decatur Rotary International, Southern Bell Pioneers, and Druid Hills Baptist Church. They traveled all over the world and led busy lives, even after Ted retired. Jean’s daughters, Gina Price married Ian Lundberg and they had two children, Christian and Aubrey Jean; Tonia “TJ” Price O’Callaghan married Derik Keel and had three daughters, Caitie, Gabbie and Brie. Later Tonia married Fate McKinney. The grandchildren grew up and married and Mimi loved attending their weddings and celebrating family birthdays and holidays.

Ted O’Callaghan died in 2010 and Jean remained in Decatur at Towne Square where she was the social director, the Queen Mother of the Red Hatters of Decatur, and spent time gardening. She was the Decatur Rotary secretary and member, taught English as a Second Language, and was a devoted teacher at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she taught Bible studies and led sewing classes for immigrants. She had dear friends at Town Square that became travel companions, walking buddies and the evening wine gathering. Her strength and grace were a testament to her unwavering faith, which carried her through life’s many challenges.

In 2020, after several falls and orthopedic surgeries, Jean left her beloved Towne Square and moved to the Village Park at Peachtree Corners. There she immediately found new friends while keeping the old. She became the librarian, was President of the Resident Association, formed a Bible Study and became an Ambassador for the senior living community. She loved living there and was active right up till she was hospitalized in November 2024. Unfortunately, she never returned to her apartment and friends as her health continued to decline. Her last days were surrounded by her family and friends.

Jean is survived by her sister Joy (Jerry) Qualls, two daughters Gina (Ian) Price Lundberg and Tonia (Fate) O’Callaghan McKinney, as well as her stepdaughter Pat (Scott) Smith and stepson Pete O’Callaghan. She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, who brought her boundless joy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Walter Eugene Price and Theodore O’Callaghan, her mother Alma, her father Bill, and her brother Lee.

A memorial service celebrating Jean's life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church’s outreach programs, which Jean was so passionate about.

Jean’s unwavering love for her family, her deep committed faith, and her engaging kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her smile and laughter will remain in our hearts. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy of love, service, and devotion will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her extraordinary life.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28)