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Dorothy Jean Lee passed away on April 14, 2020 in Peachtree City, Ga. She graduated from College Park High School in 1954. She was one of the very early Southern Airways employees, working in Engineering since the 1950’s. She retired in 1976 after her marriage to Marion Lee, a lifelong Alabama fan, and Alabama baseball team veteran. Jean’s daughter (Nona) immediately accepted a position in the next flight attendant class in 1976, and later married Gary Wilshire who flew as a Captain for Southern, Republic, and retiring as a B-747-400 Captain for Northwest Airlines, Inc. after 30 years. Jean was a Georgia native, born in Fayetteville, lived many years in Marietta, and most recently in Peachtree City, GA.
Jean treasured her many friends and coworkers from different aspects and times in her life. She made many friends in Marietta, and Peachtree City, as well as the early Southern Airways days, and enjoyed seeing them all at every opportunity. She often talked fondly of all her many friends and coworkers. Her lifelong friends remained close throughout all of her life.
It is believed that Jean had a heart attack in her apartment, and apparently passed away with little discomfort. Jean is survived by two grandsons, Stephen and Michael Wilshire; Stephen’s wife Megan, their son, the only great grandson, Nathan. Jean enjoyed telling friends about her grandson’s lives and how proud she was of the men they had become. Jean’s daughter, Nona Wilshire and her husband Gary Wilshire live near Jean’s home in Newnan, Ga. Jean and Nona enjoyed a very close relationship throughout her lifetime. Jean had two sisters, Patsy Miller and Karen Sprayberry as well as a brother, Kenneth Stinchcomb. She will be missed by all of her family. Her optimistic attitude, generosity, and supportive nature has been such an encouragement and inspiration to all of her family.
Berdie Shavers says
Jean, such a beautiful, independent lady. There was never a time that anyone talked to her that she didn’t beam with pride talking about her grandsons until the great grand was born. She had a picture to show everyday. She never complained and always looked as if she stepped off a page of a vogue magazine. She is truly missed by everyone that knew her. May the family know God’s peace during this time of loss.
Sherrie Mock says
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.”
I never had the opportunity to know your mother, but I can tell how wonderful she must have been just by knowing you. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve. Words can’t describe how sorry I am at this loss. You’re in my prayers.
Nancy Sewell Leasing Hearthside PTC says
I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I had the honor a pleasure of meeting your mom once and spoke to her 3 times in my short time of being here at Hearthside PTC, She was so sweet to talk with , she loved you guys very much always brought you and her family up in the conversations.
Please let us know if you need anything.
Jamie says
My deepest condolences to Jean’s family. God promises at John 5:28,29: …the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life…
God will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Debbie Harris, Terri Holland, and Lisa Wright says
Our mother, Joann Holland Ruffner, went to middle school and high school with Jean and worked with her at Southern Airways, also. Mom and Jean have remained life-long friends and Jean and Nona are like family to my sisters and me.
Our sweet friend was always cheerful, full of laughter and really smart, working in the Engineering department at Southern in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s when there were few female engineers. She was very proud of Nona, Steven, and Michael and excited about Stephen’s family, Megan and Nathan.
Jean kept in touch with us and we would call her often to check on her or so she could speak with my mother by telephone when she was not able to visit in person. We will miss you, Jean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Nona, Gary and family.
Eva Gibson says
I’m very sorry for …I did not have the chance to meet her I am her great niece from her sister Karen
Anonymous says
^^ The person “Eva Gibson” posting above is either a lying charlatan or is very confused,as Jean’s sister Karen has no grandchildren.
Nona Wilshire says
This is Nona, Jeans daughter. I miss my mother horribly. And I really enjoy reading the sweet, terrific messages from people that also cared for my mother! Anonymous you are wrong. I know . This site is for my mother only, please respect that! I love her very much.
Eva says
Replying to “Anonymous” who can’t even state their real name, that is hateful and bitter to post on an obituary,however DNA has proved otherwise, Karen does have grandchildren matter of there are 4 of us, from her daughter that was born in 1961,why do you have to post this kind of things? And just accept the fact?