Jean Pigott Bourne passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2023 at the age of 91 with her adoring husband by her side. She is survived by her loving and caring husband of almost 73 years, Billy C. Bourne; her son, Tommy Bourne and caring daughter in law, Lynn Morgan Bourne; two grandchildren, Christie Bourne Kracht (Eric), and Thomas Bourne (Nikki); five great grandchildren, Hannah Kracht, Caleb Kracht, Tristan Bourne, Emmie Bourne and Camden Bourne; a niece, Lori Pigott Fast; nephews, Craig Pigott, Chris Pigott and Twain Pigott; and two wonderful sisters-in-law, Peggy Pigott, and Martha Pigott. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Parnell Pigott; her twin sister, Jane Pigott Dillion; and brothers, Clyde Pigott Jr., and Jerry Pigott. She was a member of Foxworth First Baptist Church for 60 plus years. Thanks to the members for their many calls and prayers. She was faithful to her daily bible readings.
Jean was a star basketball player at Dexter High School, an outstanding player at Pearl River Community College, an extraordinary coach at West Marion High School, and an exceptional educator in Marion County for almost 45 years. She has an Associate’s Degree from PRCC, A B.S degree from USM and A Masters in Education from William Carey.
Jean and her twin sister, Jane’s outstanding play at Dexter High led them to Pearl River Community College. In 1951, Jean was named PRC female athlete of the year and named to the All State Team in ‘51 and ‘52. As a result of her outstanding career at PRC, she was inducted into the PRC Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. In June of 2023, Jean became the first female inductee into the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame.
“Ms. Jean” became the newly formed West Marion High School Girls Basketball Coach in 1960 and led her teams to the State Tournament every year while averaging almost 40 wins per season before leaving the coaching arena in the mid 1960’s to focus on her family and teaching. She really cared for her players and formed lifetime bonds with many players.
Just as she had done in her playing career and coaching career, she poured her life into teaching and helping to educate hundreds in Marion County as she and her husband, Billy, spent over 45 years in Education. They cared for their students like THEIR OWN and worked so hard to help them be their best.
Throughout her life, Jean loved to go places, shop and keep her hair and nails done. She really liked to travel with her FBC “Young At Heart” group. Her favorite hobby was watching her birds and squirrels that were fed tons (literally) of seeds.
The family would like to thank their wonderful caregivers for the last few years; Linda McCarthy and Nikki Aultman for 6 plus years, and Renee Thamas as well as Mary Ann Boyd, Lucretia Smith, Sandra Lucas and home health’s Krystal Ervin Jerkins and David Brown – don’t know what we would have done without them (a blessing). Mrs. Jean and Mr. Billy also would like to thank their special “adopted” daughter Patty Ervin Stringer and the Carolyn Ervin family for always being there when they needed them. While all of their visitors and calls were cherished, the family especially appreciates Patty Stringer and Terri and Darlene Ervin, Martha and Peggy Pigott, Bobby and June Nichols, Hugh Gene and Diane Smith, Gary Barber, Mary Lou (dec.) and Billy Brumfield and Sharon Simmons and Sylvia Martin for visiting and calling them often and bringing them “treats”. Thanks to their neighbors for their calls and help over the years, especially Maurice Ingram, a true “Good Neighbor” for more than 25 years.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia, MS. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home and at 9:00 am prior to the service on Saturday. Reverend Dane Hodges, Reverend Glenn Nace, and Reverend Zach Smith will officiate services and burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery assisted by Thomas Bourne, Tristan Bourne, Eric Kracht, Caleb Kracht, Eugene Smith, Bobby Nichols, and Gary Barber as pallbearers, and honorary pallbearer, Craig Pigott.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
