Jean Wessel Templeton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 30, 2026. She was born in Preston, Mississippi on November 30, 1936. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Frederick (Fred) Wessel; her parents, Jessie and Vernon Baughman; and her brother, Terry Baughman.
She is survived by her children: son John Wessel (Charlotte), daughter Tristenne Robin (Paul), and son James Wessel (Liz). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren who called her Meme: Lochlin and Frederick Wessel; Luke and Charlie Robin; and Anne, Molly, Kate, Caroline, Grace, Samuel, and Bea Wessel.
Jean’s father served in the Navy in World War II, and when he returned from the war, he became a journeyman electrician, traveling around wherever there was work. They moved 11 times during her childhood, which gave her great skills in meeting people and making friends. Her Aunt Edna and her grandmother instilled in Jean a great love of learning that she carried with her all her life. After she graduated from West High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, Jean attended Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi and went on to earn her degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She later completed the Kenan-Flagler Advanced Management Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Following college, Jean began her career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines and later became an instructor at Eastern’s Flight Attendant School in Miami Springs, Florida.
It was in Miami that she met her future husband, Fred Wessel, who was completing his college degree at the University of Miami. They married in 1961 and moved to Huntsville in 1966 to open their first Burger King restaurant. Jean loved being a mom, driving carpool, and volunteering at the children’s schools and activities.
Following Fred’s death in 1995, Jean assumed the role of CEO of the family business, Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. She led the company with dedication and distinction until its sale in 2014. Jean was deeply committed to her community and generously shared her time and leadership with numerous organizations. She served three terms on the Healthcare Authority of Huntsville Hospital and chaired its Community Health Initiative. She also served as president of several organizations, including the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild and the Gothic Guild. In addition, she chaired the Symphony Ball and Randolph School’s Under the Christmas Tree event.
Throughout her life, Jean received numerous honors in recognition of her leadership, service, and contributions to the community. Among them were the Virginia Hamill Simms Arts Award, the Senior Center’s Pathway to Honor recognition, the Girl Scouts Scroll of Honor, the She Knows Where She Is Going Girl’s Club Award, the Women Honoring Women Award from the Women’s Economic Development Council, and induction into Pearl River Community College’s Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame.
Her board service included two terms as a trustee of Randolph School, as well as involvement with the Foundation Board of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.
Jean was also a devoted member of Delta Zeta sorority, serving on its National Foundation Board. In 2006, she was named National Delta Zeta of the Year. In 2012, she was honored as the Heart of the Community recipient at the Heart Society Ball. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church.
Jean loved seeing her children grow up and being a part of her grandchildren’s lives. When her first grandchild was born, she committed to pray for her grandchildren by name every night, and she kept that practice. She loved attending their sporting events and school functions and took an interest in all their endeavors.
Jean’s greatest passions were her family, her community, and her faith in God. She loved to travel and was a lifelong learner who read incessantly. Her enthusiasm for life was a defining part of who she was. She lived an extraordinary life, embracing every opportunity and cherishing the love and friendship of the many people whose lives she touched.
Jean goes without regret into the next chapter of her life, leaving behind a legacy of love, leadership, generosity, and service. She would encourage everyone to hug someone special each day and to always follow your dreams. One of her favorite passages in scripture was Romans chapter 8 and her well-worn Jesus Calling book on her nightstand brought her much encouragement over the years.
We are forever grateful to the wonderful women who helped care for Meme in the past few years: Flo Abernathy, Nevada Belin, Tawanna Langford, and Mimi Overton.
A private burial will be held. The family invites all to join them for a come-and-go reception to celebrate Jean’s life on Thursday, November 5th from 2:30-5pm at Huntsville Botanical Garden in the Carriage House.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation (https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/get-involved/give-now), Pearl River Community College Jean Baughman Wessel Templeton Scholarship Fund (https://prcc.edu/alumni/alumni-donations/), or a charity of your choice.
