Jean Mayo Huckabee

Jean Mayo Huckabee, daughter of the late Bessie Elder and Samuel Echols Mayo, Sr. died on Monday, May 29, 2023 at almost 96 years old. She was born on August 3, 1927 in Richland, Georgia. Jean was the Valedictorian of her High School class at age 17 and a graduate of Georgia State Women's College (now Valdosta State University). She worked for First Atlanta Credit Company in Atlanta, Ga before accepting a teaching position at Fishweir Elementary in Jacksonville, Fl in 1954. She married Navy Pilot, Thomas Franklin Huckabee in 1958 and had two daughters. Once her girls were in school, Mrs. Huckabee resumed teaching and continued for 34 years at Ruth N. Upson Elementary in Murray Hill where she taught several generations.

Jean enjoyed people and cherished her many friendships from Ortega Methodist Church and The Open Door Class; her school, teacher and neighborhood buddies; Confederate Jasmine Garden Circle; and especially her childhood friends, cousins and college soulmates.

Jean Huckabee was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tom, of forty-one years. She is survived by her two daughters: Kelly Huckabee Varn (Billy) and Robin Huckabee Booth (Tommy), four grandchildren: Caitlin Booth Bookwalter (Joe) of Ormond Beach, Fl ; William Drake Varn (Natalie) of Nashville, Tn ; Samuel Glenn Booth of Jacksonville, Fl ; and Franklin Huckabee Varn of Atlanta, Ga and one very special great grandchild: Eleanor Kate Bookwalter.

The family wishes to thank Eric and Annette Decker for their patient, gentle care and friendship over the last twenty years.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Oaklawn Cemetery.