Jean Elder Thompson Getchell

Jean Elder Thompson Getchell died in Greenville, SC on March 13, 2015 in the fullness of years. She was born June 19, 1922 in Lumpkin, Georgia to Frank Friar Thompson and Nellie Humber Thompson. She graduated from Valdosta College where she was elected president of the Honor Council, holding numerous other offices and honors as well.

She married Earle Duncan Getchell, a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War Two. She soloed as a pilot herself. After the war, they lived in the U.S. Canal Zone before moving to Mobile, Alabama where she was a resident for over 60 years.

Jean was broadly involved in community affairs. She was past president of the Historic Mobile Preservation Society; Chairman of the Minnie Mitchell Archives Collections Society; member of the Administrative Board of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church; past president and member of the Board of Directors of the Family Counseling Agency; member of the Shakespeare Club; member and past president of the As You Like Club; Past President of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century; past president of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and, past president of the Visiting Nurses Association.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Frank Friar Thompson, Jr. She is survived by a son, Earle Duncan Getchell, Jr., and his wife, Christine, of Richmond, Va.; a daughter, Anne Riviere Getchell Propst, and her husband, Sims, of Greenville, SC; and three grandchildren – Duncan Christian Wilson Getchell (Michelle), Charles Sims Propst, Jr. (Jess) and Martha Riviere Propst.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Dauphin Way United Way Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be made to Dauphin Way United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.

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