Jean was born on July 13, 1954, in Plattsburgh, NY, daughter of Eugene Joseph Macbeth and Marie Antoinette (Boutin) Macbeth. She was educated at SUNY Plattsburgh Campus School and Plattsburgh High School, graduating in 1972. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from State University of New York Plattsburgh, in 1976. She married LTJG John Robert Backus in 1977 and moved with him through his naval career living in Groton, CT; Honolulu, HI; Patuxent River, MD; Norfolk, VA; Monterey, CA; Burke, VA; and Brunswick, ME. Jean and family settled in Collierville, TN in 1999 when John took a job with FedEx Express. Through all these moves, Jean worked in home health as both a nurse and a nurse administrator, retiring in 2020.
Jean was pre-deceased by her father, Eugene, mother, Marie, and sister, Elizabeth Ann Macbeth. She is survived by her husband, John, children Stephanie Bradshaw(Joey) of Collierville, Jason Backus of Bartlett, Tabitha Backus of Collierville, Elizabeth Kearns (Derek) of St. Johnsbury, VT, and grandchildren Maxwell, Declan, Susan, Douglas, and Michael.
Jean lived for her family, first and foremost. She manifested that affection by crocheting several dozen baby blankets for newborn grandchildren, grandnieces, grandnephews and family friends. She was happy to gather the family together for dinners on weekends and holidays. Christmas was her favorite season; she celebrated the season to the fullest. Christmas trees and light displays were highlights for her. She enjoyed cross stitching, reading and cruising with husband John. Her weekends were spent on sports fields, watching her grandsons play soccer and football, as well as watching Memphis Tiger football. She was a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 5066 Auxiliary, supporting military Veterans.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 10am-11am and a Funeral service will follow at Catholic Church of the Incarnation, 360 Bray Station Road in Collierville, TN. A reception will be held at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made in Jean’s honor to Hospice of Saint Lawrence Valley in Potsdam New York, West Cancer Foundation in Germantown, TN or The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Backus family.
