Jean B. Helms Brewer

Jean was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Frank and Susie Helms. It was at a high school football game that she met Wade Brewer. Even though they attended rival schools they fell in love and were married; a marriage that lasted for 45 years until his death. For many years as they started a family Jean stayed home as a devoted wife and mother as Wade pursued his career in the Charlotte Fire Department. As the family grew Jean wanted to expand her influence and began a career in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools where she worked until she retired. Along with family and career she was involved for many years in church activities and after her retirement was an active member of her senior services’ center.

Jean enjoyed flowers and gardening, reading, seeing new places, and visiting the family condo at Ocean Isle Beach. She cared about people as was evident by her concern for her neighbors and her interest in meeting new people. At the top of her list of “things to do” was to engage with family; both her children and especially her grandchildren. She was always eager to hear the latest update on their lives and was ready to try and help them achieve their dreams.

Jean is survived by her sister Frankie Durkin of Matthews NC; by four children and their spouses: Donna Jennings of Middlesex NJ, Susan Carriker of Leland NC, Janice McKinney of Lilburn GA, and Wade Brewer Jr. of New Orleans LA; and by nine grandchildren: Jennifer Carriker, Grace (Jennings) Killian, Scott Jennings, Lauren Jennings, Jessica Carriker, Amanda McKinney, Zachary Brewer, Hannah Brewer, and Connor McKinney. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister Suzanne Boyd.

The family will receive visitors at 1PM, Sunday, November 18 at McEwen Funeral Home, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte. A memorial service will follow at 2PM with interment in Sharon Memorial Park.