Jean Taurman (Pettyjohn) Chesnutt

Jean Pettyjohn Chesnutt was born December 12, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama to loving parents, Edward and Alice Jewel and passed peacefully at home on October 7, 2025.

She and her brother Eddie, shared an idyllic childhood surrounded by dear cousins who stayed close the remainder of their days. Jean graduated Auburn University with a BS degree in Physical Education, where she was a member of Delta Zeta National Sorority.  She taught high school in Alexander City, Alabama before returning to Birmingham where she reunited with her childhood friend Pat Chesnutt.  He convinced her quickly that theirs was a life that should be lived together. They married and were blessed with three daughters who became their focus. Pat and Jean were dedicated to their girl’s busy lives, giving back to their community and a deep relationship with their church in the many cities they lived in. Pat’s job would take the family from Birmingham, AL, to Houston, TX, Montgomery, AL, and Atlanta, GA. Upon visiting Tryon, NC, they knew they had found their final home, Jean set about involving herself in the community. She tutored reading at Stearns Elementary and was whole-heartedly involved in the Polk County 4-H Dairy program. Her dedicated service to Holy Cross Episcopal Church included Vestry Member, High School Sunday School teacher, EYC group leader, Evening Group leader and fundraising. Jean was a self-taught seamstress, expertly whipping out Barbie clothes, prom and wedding dresses. She wielded her scissors like a wizard and dared you to cut paper with them. Jean served on every PTA and committee like it was her job. She taught herself bookkeeping and hand-ledgered spreadsheets without missing a penny. She was her husband’s better half and helped grow Chesnutt Insulation Associates into a major player in the commercial insulation industry. When she saw a need, she opened The MailRoom, Landrum, SC in 1989. Jean was a motivated artist, water colorist and oil painter. Her works, gifted to family, are treasured heirlooms along with the many memories she captured. Jean had a love of natural beauty, an avid gardener with a yard to prove it. Her creativity was boundless, and she was an unparalleled role model for those who loved her. She was an excellent cook and will never be forgotten for her pecan pie.

She is predeceased by her adoring husband Arthur “Pat” Buchanan Chesnutt, Jr, they are now together again.

She is survived by her girls, Sally Barrett (Larry) of Santa Rosa Beach FL, Alice Kraebber (David) of Wilmington, NC and Kathryn Gillie (Craig) of Tryon, NC. Jean was “Peppy” to grandsons Jacob and Patrick Barrett (Annah), Sam and Angus Kraebber, Colin Gillie, great-granddaughters Charlotte and Lainey Barrett, and chosen son Lee Marvin McDowell. She also leaves behind the world’s best dog Louis and Becca kitty.

Lastly, Jean never met a stray dog or cat that she didn’t stop to render aid. She instilled a love of caring for the voiceless in her children. Her compassion allowed the lowliest to blossom and thrive in her care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Holy Cross Episcopal Church conducted by Father Robert Ard. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at 21 Harwood Lane, Tryon, NC 28782.

We would ask in lieu of flowers, you donate to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722 or Paws, Prayers and Promises, 685 Carriage Row, Tryon, NC 28782, both 501(c)3, non-profit animal welfare organizations close to all the Chesnutt’s hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Taurman (Pettyjohn) Chesnutt, please visit our floral store.