Jean L. Desso, born July 25, 1922, in Ashland, Ky., died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, following a short illness.
A child of the depression, she was always frugal and always grateful for the many blessings that came her way. She met the love of her life in Ashland during the war years and they shared an adventure that lasted just shy of 68 years. Proud of her independence, she was able to live alone and drive ‘til just a few weeks ago.
Born to be a teacher, she spent a lifetime encouraging children – first in a one-room schoolhouse in Kentucky and later in elementary schools in Covington, Ky., Savannah, and Lugoff, S.C. She loved nature and science.
After retiring to Colbert in 1991, she spent many hours on the golf course and continued to enjoy mentoring students in the Madison County Schools.
Mrs. Desso was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Hattie Turner Lewis; sisters, Anna Mary Lewis and Virginia Kitchen; brother, Clyde Lewis; grandson Jonathan Robert Desso; and her loving husband, Richard E. Desso.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Gerry Hagan, Savannah; son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Jane Desso, Watkinsville; grandsons, Chris and his wife Ann Hagan, Matt and his wife Jodie Hagan, Kevin Hagan, and David Desso and his wife Rebecca; granddaughter, Rebekah Desso; and great-grandchildren. Stokes, Lucy, and Gabe Hagan.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the funeral services following at 11 a.m. at Oconee Chapel Funeral Directors. Burial will take place at Oconee Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Jon Desso Foundation, P.O. Box 49026, Athens, GA 30604.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com