Jean Colson of Caledonia, Mississippi, met her Lord and Savior at the age of 73, on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 6:48 a.m. at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS.

Jean, daughter of the late B.E. and Perla Aldridge, was born on October 23, 1948, in Illinois. She grew up on her family farm in Caledonia with her siblings, Judy (Hubert) Watson, Janice (Steve) Gilliam, Kay Pennington, and Doug (Jane) Aldridge. She graduated from Caledonia High School in 1967 and Mississippi University for Women in 1971.  She met her husband, Dwight, when he was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, and after a brief courtship, the two eloped to Hawaii and wed on December 20, 1971. They welcomed a son, Michael (Shauntel), in 1975 and a daughter, Emily (Stan), in 1978.

They purchased an old farmhouse in 1974, and she loved remodeling, decorating, and keeping a spotless and warm home perfect for gatherings.  She enjoyed working in her yard and was often seen mowing, raking, picking up sticks and leaves, or gathering pecans. She was known for her hospitality; friends and family from near and far were always eager to come to the farm where they were welcomed and well-fed. She generously gave her time and her talents to those who came and stayed with her treating them like family.

Jean was a beloved teacher who taught secondary English and social studies for twenty-nine years but began her teaching career at home with her siblings—sometimes her lessons were well-received and sometimes they were not! She loved her students and was known for being tough but fair, often staying after school for detention where she not only helped students with their schoolwork but helped them to be more responsible and dependable people. Her write-offs and Saturday school were legendary! Often staying up until the early morning hours grading papers and planning lessons, she worked incredibly hard in and out of school.

She was an excellent helper to her husband on the farm, and the two were well known in the community for their beloved pumpkin patch, which they operated together for 19 years. It attracted people from every continent except Antarctica and brought joy and connectedness to families, churches, schools, and the community, which was Jean's favorite part.

Jean loved the Lord and was a faithful teacher at Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years. While she was serving the Lord by teaching Sunday school, she suffered a massive stroke. A question was asked, "List 5 promises of God that are precious to you." In her notes as the number one promise, she listed eternal life, which she now enjoys with her Savior.

As a true Proverbs 31 woman, she loved her husband faithfully and joyfully for nearly 51 years. Jean's feisty and fun personality was the perfect complement to Dwight, creating a relationship that was full and wonderful and worthy of emulation. Despite any disagreements, she never let the sun go down on her anger and was always the first to forgive ending the night with "I love you." She lovingly and sacrificially served him tirelessly whether on the farm or in the kitchen cooking his favorite foods. "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Prov. 31:29

She loved her children and prayed for them without ceasing, but it was her role as grandmother that brought her the greatest joy in her life. She welcomed her first grandson, Ryan, in 2006 followed by her granddaughter, Katherine, in 2014 and Michael Jacob in 2017. Her love for them was expressed in her playfulness and her stories, in the four-wheeler rides and porch sittings and endless conversations and her famous sleepovers. Though she never liked hunting, she was always ready and willing to go on a late-night coyote hunt or deer hunt with her outdoorsman grandson. She was always available and ready to love them in the ways that mattered most to them.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Vaughn Cemetery in Steens, MS. Don Both will be officiating. Lowndes Funeral Home will handle all arrangements.