Katherine Jean Weatherford
AUGUST 10, 1934 – MARCH 24, 2023
Jean was born on August 10, 1934 to Colie and Francis Smith. When she was seven, her father passed, and she and her three brothers, John Clarence (J.C.), Louie and Bill, along with her mom, went to live with her “Ma” and “Pa,” (John and Ada Vickers).
After high school, she met a mischievous man, Russell Weatherford. Before long, he charmed himself into her heart and they eloped to Mississippi. In 1955, they welcomed their redheaded daughter, Patricia. Two years later, David joined the family. In 1962, Russell and Jean welcomed Terry. 1964 was a sad year for Jean. In January, Jean’s mother and father-in-law passed away. Later that year, her youngest son, Terry, died at two years old.
Russell and Jean were strong Christians and members of Lynnville church of Christ. Russell was an elder and Jean was a faithful elder’s wife. Many summers were spent with Jean’s brothers and their families. Her niece, Mary, would often spend several days during the summer with her Aunt Jean. During the Christmas season, Russell’s extended family would often celebrate at either his and Jean’s, or at Russell’s brother’s house.
In 1984, David and his wife, Lynn, welcomed their first child and Jean’s first grandchild, Dake. A year later David and Lynn had Lyndsey. In 1989, Patricia and her husband, Bob, added the third and fourth grandchildren to the bunch with Kayla and Kyle. In 2000, the fifth and last grandchild joined the bunch when David and Lynn adopted Gracey. All of “Mimi’s” grandchildren enjoyed spending time in the garden or the kitchen with her. Mimi enjoyed making her grandchildren clothes and quilts.
In the late 1990s, J.C. came to live with Jean while she cared for him until his death. In 2004, Russell and Jean celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their friends and family. In 2008, Jean said goodbye to her husband of 54 years. In 2012, Jean’s oldest grandchild, Dake, died of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and her brother, Louie, died. In 2020, Jean’s granddaughter, Gracey married Isaac Conway.
Jean was known as daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. Days before her death, her son asked her who she was looking forward to seeing first in heaven. Surprised, she exclaimed, “Jesus!” After a beat, she said, “and Terry.” She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Jean Weatherford, age 88 of Lynnville died March 24, 2023 at her home in Lynnville. She was born August 10, 1934 to the late Colie Lee and Frances Baird Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband Russell Weatherford, her son Terry Wayne Weatherford, her grandson Dake Weatherford, and her brothers J.C. and Louie Smith.
Survivors include her daughter Patricia Weatherford Ruddy and husband Bob of Lynnville, her son David Weatherford and wife Lynn of Lynnville, her brother Bill Smith and wife Ruth of Cincinnati, and her grandchildren, Lyndsey Weatherford, Kayla Ruddy, Kyle Ruddy, and Gracey Weatherford Conway and husband Isaac.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday, March 26, 2023 beginning at 12 noon at Carr & Erwin Funeral Home, where Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Lynnwood Cemetery.
