Jean Brockman

Jean Brockman squeezed as much love and laughter as possible out of her 99 years on this Earth. When she passed peacefully on Jan.25, it was with her beloved daughter, Cathy and son-in-law Ken at her bedside. She was greeted in heaven by her beloved husband of 60 years, Charles and her identical twin sister, Lynn. She made long-lasting friends every where she went. It was said that her laughter could light up a room before she even entered it. Her passion and interest in everything kept her lively and alert up until the end. There never was a visit into the World that someone didn't comment on her vivid neon color tennis shoes. She adored bright colors.

Jean was born Jan.21, 1923 to Vivian Arlene and Jacob Parkus Fuller in Clintwood, VA, the second of a set of identical twins. It was said that the doctor sent her father down to the creek for a pale of water and was shocked to find that he had TWO babies when he returned. Thirteen years later a third precious sister, Patsy was born. Jean and Lynn attended two years of college before WW2 began. They set out for Washington, DC where Jean took a secretarial job at the Pentagon, where she met the love of her life, Charles Ernest Brockman, on a weekend pass from the Navy during the war. This began a life of adventures where they tried their hand at several careers before moving to Greensboro, NC in 1967 to begin Brockman Ford Tractor Sales. Jean worked along side her dear friend Tootie in the office for the all of the years that Charles ran the dealership. Their group of employees became like family creating an atmosphere where customers would often visit and stay for the comradery.

The company did so well in sales that Ford Motor Co. provided them with many trips to faraway places in the world. Jean was already an avid photographer, but the travels resulted in thousands of beautiful photographs. Jean's other passions were books, where she averaged reading more than 200 books per year up until this year when it became

more difficult to read. She and Charles were members of several bowling leagues where they forged even more lifelong friendships. Another love during those early years were the Greensboro Generals Ice Hockey games, where Jean, Charles and daughter Cathy had season tickets, rarely missing a game.

Jean's interest in everything around her sparked enthusiasm in those around her. She journaled daily, taking note of everything around her. She often said that she couldn't imagine being bored for a single day in this life as there was so much fun to be had. She had such a beautiful heart and sweet soul that she made friends every where that she went.

Family and home life were equally important to Jean, where she and Charles spent many hours on games like Yahtzee. Her daughter Cathy was her best friend; Jean was so proud of her daughter, the nurse. In fact, Cathy moved in just to take care of Jean for the last 3 months of her life where they both said that time together was priceless. She also adored her son-in-law, Ken who patiently assisted her with her computer skills which she continued almost up until the end. No one would every imagine that this bright, funny, sweet, loving, outgoing, generous woman was in her nineties.

She only slowed down after a fall in 2014, breaking her femur. That occurred while she was walking and singing to her beloved doggie companion, Kippy.

Jean's bright light will be missed. Her extended family described her as the kindest person ever known, stating "we can think of no soul more worthy to be in heaven than this precious lady. God, you are lucky to have her." Everyone could imagine the reunion between Jean and her beloved"Charlie" as she crossed over. She told Cathy she wanted to make it to age 99, but then "I'm ready now to be back with your Daddy." She passed away 4 days after her birthday.

She is survived by one daughter, Cathy (Ken) Cockerham, a grandson, Chris, one sister, Patsy Sadler in Flagstaff, AZ and many close nieces and nephews, scattered throughout the country. Due to the concern for the health and safety of everyone, the family will hold a private burial. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Special thanks go to her neighbor-turned-second daughter, Laura Yontz who helped make it possible for us to care for mom at home as she always wanted. Also special thanks to AuthoraCare/ Hospice who helped her passing be so beautiful. Donations may be made to AuthoraCare (Hospice), World Wildlife Federation, SPCA or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.