Jean Irving McTavish

Jean Dale Irving McTavish, age 84, died peacefully in the comfort of the place she called home on May 20, 2023. She was born on February 25, 1939 in Wilmington to John and Margaret Irving. She was proud to be in the original families of Masonboro Sound. Jean always loved the Lord Jesus and was thankful to know that she would be with Him after her passing.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband Bryce Elliot McTavish, her son Patrick McTavish; two brothers: John Irving and Charles Irving and her nephew Brad Irving.

She was a proud, strong and loving military wife to the late Bryce Elliot McTavish for 47 years. Together they raised a family of four as they served our great nation. Jean loved her family and always wanted to own her own home to raise her family. After Bryce retired from the Marines, he made good on that promise and they soon bought a house in Wilmington and continued their life story. Jean loved her family and her friends deeply. She never liked the word in laws – all which married into the family, became family! She would always open her home to anyone that needed a place to land during a difficult time. Her home was a true place of love, where a word of encouragement was given and a listening ear was present.

Jean’s ambition was to truly be a wonderful wife and mother. She provided daycare services in her home for many years and was affectionately known as “Ms. Jean”. Later when so many grandchildren came along, she gained the endearing name of “Granny Jean”. We were all blessed to know our children had a wonderful start soaking up her care, love and life lessons, not to mention all the pool days!

Jean was a great comfort cook, loved to draw, work seek and finds, and an avid Wheel of Fortune watcher. She also looked forward to watching her soap operas! In the past couple of years, Jean became a Carolina Panther’s Fan; although she still rooted for the Dallas Cowboys, since they were her late son, Patrick’s favorite team.

She is survived by her sons; Gary McTavish and wife Lea Anne, Michael McTavish and wife Anne; a daughter, Sandy McTavish Francis and husband John “Blue” all of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren: Heather, Ryan, Moriah, Kyle, Caitlyn, Bryce, Sean and Liam; great grandchildren: Alice, Salem and Sage; twin brothers; Graham Irving and Donald Irving and his wife Faye and niece Wendy and Nephews Jared and Johnnie all of Wilmington, NC.

The family will receive friends from 1-2pm on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Masonboro Baptist Church. The Funeral Service will follow at 2pm at Masonboro Baptist Church with Pastor Wes Hunter officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ryan McTavish, Kyle McTavish, Jared Irving, Johnnie Irving, John Francis and Brandon Wiggins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary McTavish, Michael McTavish, Graham Irving, Donald Irving, Bryce Ian McTavish, Sean Francis and Liam Francis.

A special thank you to all of Jean’s Doctors and her care team through Lower Cape Fear Life Care Palliative Care and Hospice. Jean was our warrior through all her battles with cancer and your professional and kind care helped to make that happen.

Tributes and Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com