Jean D. Trueblood
Dec. 21, 1936 – Dec. 13, 2015

Mrs. Jean Frances Duke Trueblood, age 78, a resident of 101 Justin Drive, Washington, died peacefully at home Sunday, December 13, 2015.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Thursday, December 17, 2015 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with committal in the Memorial Garden beside the little chapel, wherein she worshiped since childhood. The Reverend Jim Reed will celebrate.

Jean was born in Washington on December 21, 1936 to the late Dr. James Frank Duke and Lila Marsh Roper Duke. She was married to Dr. Samuel Neal Trueblood on July 8, 1959, who preceded her in death on November 6, 2013.

Jean was a graduate of Washington High School, attended St. Mary’s Junior College, and graduated from East Carolina College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She was presented by the Terpsichorean Club of Raleigh at the 1956 North Carolina Debutante Ball.

Joining her husband at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, she taught school before moving back to Washington to raise her family.

As a young woman, Jean was an active community leader and was recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman in America. She was a former member and past president of the Washington Garden Club and the Washington Council of Garden Clubs on a local, district and state level, and she earned a Life and Master Flower Show Judge certificate. Several photographs of her floral arrangements were selected to appear in the Garden Club of North Carolina Engagement Calendars. In 1987 Jean was honored as a Master Judge Emeritus by National Council.

Jean was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, serving the church in several capacities and was a past president of the Episcopal Church Women.

In 1978, she joined her husband’s dental team, and in 1986 was recognized by the American Dental Assistant Inc. as a Board Certified Dental Assistant. She retired in the year 2000.

Jean was also a former member and past president of the Washington Yacht and Country Club Ladies Golf Association and was a former member of the Reviews and St. Peter’s Book Clubs.

When not fishing, she so enjoyed the beauty and spiritual solitude of Cape Lookout Point and was just thrilled when finding a treasure from the sea. Nothing brought more joy than entertaining family and friends at Harkers Island, going to the “hook” and playing bridge during “girls getaway.”

Jean was devoted to her family. Surviving is her son Phillip Frank Trueblood and his girlfriend Dee Lancaster, and her daughter Courtney, her daughter Jeannie Marsh Trueblood Jones and her husband, Wilbo, beloved grandchildren are Phil Trueblood, Jr., and his wife Jessica, and Will and Lila Jones. Also cherished are two great grandchildren, Braxton and Cassidy Trueblood, a twin sister, Jane Garrett, her two sons, Keith and William Garrett and family, and many nieces and nephews.

Her family will receive friends at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday December 16, 2015 between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send memorials are asked to consider the Building Fund of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 985 Washington, NC 27889.

Condolences may be made to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Trueblood family.