Asheville Butterfly Trail
I only read of Jean’s death on this page this morning. Our entire family got to know Jean and Jerry at St. Genevieve’s many, many years ago and we loved them both dearly. They were special friends. We sort of lost Jean after Jerry died and I hate that. She was so sweet to our three children both as Jerry’s wife and also as a wonderful Librarian at the Oakley branch, helping with all sorts of school papers and projects and finding interesting books.I know they were both so proud of you children.
Jean S. Hess
November 18, 1927 ~ September 11, 2021
Born in:
Cleveland, OH
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Jean Sullivan Hess, of Asheville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 11, 2021 at the age of 93.
Jean was born November 18, 1927 to the late John K. and Hortense C. Sullivan in Cleveland OH. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gerald (Jerry) V. Hess and her brother John C. Sullivan.
Jean and Jerry moved from Ohio to Arden in 1963 where Jerry became the head football and basketball coach at Christ School. Within a few years, Jean became the librarian for Christ School, a position she held until 1973. After a short break, Jean worked at the Oakley/ South Asheville Library a part of the Buncombe County Library system where she retired as the head librarian. Jean resided for the last 17 years at Givens Estates where she quietly enjoyed her life in that community.
Jean is survived by her son Steve Hess (his wife Becky) and her daughter Peggy McChesney (her husband Clark); grandchildren Adam Hess (Kristyn), Alex Hess, Alicia Carnifax (Rick), Chris McChesney and Greg McChesney (Stacey) and great-grandchildren Noah Carnifax, Adeline Hess, Caiden Hess, Evelyn Carnifax, Bryson McChesney and Charlee McChesney.
We are thankful that Jean passed peacefully on her terms.
The family is holding a private celebration of Jean’s life at graveside.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family
