A native of Franklin, North Carolina, Jean lived in East Ridge, Tennessee for fifty four years.
She was a member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the "55 and Alive” and Adult Sunday School Classes.
Jean had a full and active life leaving a legacy of kindness and selflessness to all she met. Her humor and gentle spirit was admired by all who met her even if it was for the first time.
She graduated from Brevard College of North Carolina, and was an original member of the Virginia Lodge Project. During World War II, she was employed by TV A with the building of Fontana Dam in North Carolina. This is where she met the love of her life, Fredrick Lee Elrod, who wanted to help with the war effort by enlisting but couldn't because of a health issue. They were married in Franklin, North
Carolina on September 25, 1943.
Jean shared her husband's love for Southern Gospel music. Fred traveled and sang with the Harmoneers, the Homeland Harmony and Melody Makers Quartets for many years.
After moving to Chattanooga, Jean was employed by NABISCO and retired on September 1, 1984. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends and enjoying her grandchildren.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt and will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Lee Elrod and brother, Mack Duncan of Athens, Tn.
Survived by her sons, Richard (Jeanette) Elrod of East Ridge, and Russell (Claudia) Elrod of Nashville, Tn. Grandchildren, Michelle (Jamey) Gaston of Rock Hill, S.C. and Beth (Everett) Chretien of Oak Ridge, Tn.
Great grandchildren, Tori and Matthew Gaston and Emily and Lily Chretien. A brother, Porter (Cleo) Duncan of Franklin, N.C. and sister in law, Betty Duncan of Austin, Texas. Nieces and Nephews, Don (Beth) Duncan, Terah (Lloyd) Starnes, Debbie (Reggie) Parker, Debbie Mcintyre and Tonya Shisler along with several great nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Carol, Ralph, June and Doris, along with Life Care Center of East Ridge for their kindness and compassion shown to Jean.
Funeral services will be held at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (East Ridge) Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. with Reverend Curt McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens in Cleveland, Tn. Pall Bearers will be Jamey Gaston, Everett Chretien, Taylor Wilkey, Ralph Eidson Jr., and Trey Lewallen.
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