Jean Barrett Sample

Born to the late Mildred and Fred K. Barrett in Fredonia, N.Y., Jean lived a life that was grounded by family and faith. She graduated from Fredonia State Teachers College in 1953 with a degree in elementary education and held a long and successful career as a school teacher, bringing life to the classroom and helping her students find their voice and confidence. Her first teaching position was at Randolph Central School in New York, where she taught first grade and was delighted with her annual salary of $3,000. After teaching for more than 40 years, the last 28 in Aiken County with 5th and 6th grades, she retired but continued to substitute teach, mentor, and tutor children whenever needed. She was honored with the WJBF Golden Apple Award for her excellence in teaching and leadership in the metro Aiken-Augusta area. Ever humble of her accomplishments, however, she preferred to bask in the accomplishments of her children and her students.

She married Dean in 1955 – a union that lasted more than 65 years – and her life was one devoted to family and service to others. Dean’s military career took them to postings throughout the country as well as two tours in Taiwan, and when he served unaccompanied tours in Alaska, British Columbia, and Vietnam, Jean kept everything running smoothly at home, raising their children and continuing to teach. Her independent spirit, love for adventure, curiosity about other cultures, and supreme organizational skills were perfectly matched for her life as a military spouse. Her kindness and ever-present sense of humor also endeared her to the many people and communities she encountered over the years. Jean welcomed each day with a willingness to grow and learn from whatever God laid before her. She believed that one could decide each morning to make it a good day or a bad day, and she always chose to make it a good one. Quietly mischievous, she wrote remarkable poetry, completed crossword puzzles in pen; played the piano and often sang as a soloist at weddings and community programs; taught Sunday school; loved root beer floats and sailing; learned to swim when she was 50; had a special heart for animal rescue; made the world’s best cranberry bread, and loved cooking for a crowd. There was always room for one more at her table and in her heart.

In addition to Dean, she is survived by her sister, Mary Kasbohm of Buffalo, N.Y.; her four children: Kathy Beasley of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Kristy (Doug Johnson) of Martinez, David (Marylynn) of Rock Hill and Doug of San Diego; grandchildren: Doug Duncan of Clarksville, Tenn., Aaron Duncan of Sierra Vista, Charlie Johnson (Katie) of Virginia Beach, John Mowry of Pittsburgh and Sabrinia McAuley (Shannon) of Pittsburgh; and six great-grandchildren (plus one on the way). All felt cherished and loved beyond measure by her.

Mrs. Jean Barrett Sample had it right: a life grounded by family and faith is a life well-lived. She will be dearly missed.

Her family invites you to share your own memories of Jean and sign the family’s personal guest-book at Hatcherfuneral home.com.

Memorials may be made to the Community Ministry of North Augusta (cmona.org).

Hatcher Funeral Home, 3464 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, SC 29829, (803) 593-8778.