Jean Ellen Schulman, 92, of Florence passed away on April 29, 2020. She was well known in the art community for utilizing earth dyes derived exclusively from colored clays for batiks. Her work in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of History and Technology in Washington D.C. and more than one hundred private collections throughout the United States.
She was a very educated woman, having multiple Master’s degrees and attending college until she was 53 years old. Her first degree was a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1948. Her second degree was a Master’s in Fine Arts from UNA in 1975. Her third degree was a Master’s in Education with majors in English and Art from UNA in 1981.
A teacher and lecturer as well as artist, Ms. Schulman inaugurated the program in the Muscle Shoals High School and taught there for more than twenty years. She was a master bridge player and played twice a week for many years. She loved to travel and had been to almost every country, even traveling alone at times.
Jean had many professional accomplishments and titles including; Alabama Art Education Association President, the National Art Education Association Southeastern Chairman for Secondary Art Teachers, and inaugurated numerous television programs for Alabama Education Television.
Jean is survived by her son Alan Schulman and daughter Bonita Schulman She is preceded in death by her parents, E.B. and Evelyn Polytinsky, and sons, Steve and Stuart Schulman .
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tina Hampton for all of your love and support.
A private graveside service will be held at Decatur City Cemetery on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Rabbi Nancy Tunick will be officiating the service.
There will be a public memorial gathering held at a later date. The address for the Temple where this will be held is 201 E. Hawthorne Street, Florence, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jean’s name to the Temple B’nai Israel.
Arrangements were entrusted to Elkins Funeral Home. You are welcome to leave condolences on our website at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com
