Jean McCracken

GULF SHORES, ALJean McCracken, age 80 of Gulf Shores, AL passed away on March 3, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Richard Darwin McCracken, Sr. last November. Jean is survived by a daughter, Jeanny (Gilpin) and husband, Eddy of Salem, VA; a son, Richard and wife, Dedra of Helena, AL; grandchildren Kyle (and Kellee) Gilpin, Kirk (and Kacy) Gilpin, and Abby McCracken. She had 4 great-grandchildren: Brody, Karlee, Connor, and Charlie Kate, with 2 more babies to be added to the family only months after her death.Jean graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1954 and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The University of Alabama. After she and Richard married on December 18, 1955, they moved to Fayette, AL where Jean began her career as Home Demonstration Agent for Fayette County. She owned a private kindergarten, and a clothing store she named “Smart n’ Sassy.” During her working years, Jean taught elementary school, middle school, and was a real estate agent in both Fayette and Gulf Shores. After retiring, she and Richard spent the next 21 years in Gulf Shores, AL enjoying the beach, traveling, and working with the youth of Oyster Bay Baptist Church. There was nothing more important to Jean than spending time with her growing family.Services will be held at the Oyster Bay Baptist Church in Gulf Shores on Tuesday, March 7, with Pastor Jerry Peebles presiding. The family will accept friends and family for visitation at 9:00 a.m. at the church building with services following at 11:00. Burial will be on Wednesday, March 8 in Tuscaloosa County.In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Richard’s or Jean’s memory at: Building Fund, Oyster Bay Baptist Church, 4280 Plash Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.2551 S. MCKENZIE ST.FOLEY, AL 36535(251)943-2391