Jean Carol Green

La Quinta, CA

Jean Williams Green died peacefully on October 4, 2020, at Caleo Bay Alzheimer's Special Care Facility, in La Quinta, CA. She was the wife of Joseph Green, Jr, and they were married for 58 love filled years.

Jean, a native of Elloree, SC, was the youngest daughter of the late Willie Bruce and Hattie Waymer Williams. Her paternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee (Mamie Carrion) Williams, Elloree, SC and her maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Adam Gabriel (Lou Anna Murray) Waymer, Elloree, SC.

During her formative years in Elloree, Jean was a member of Shiloh

AME Church, where she participated in Sunday School and Allen Christian Endeavor (now YPD). Her leadership skills and creative interests were gained through her involvement in 4-H Club work.

Jean received her elementary and secondary education in Elloree, at Orangeburg County Training School, where she finished in the top group of her class.

After graduation from high school, she enrolled at South Carolina State College (now University) as a physical education major. Jean was active in the Physical Education Club (president), Physical Education Dance Club; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., YWCA; Miller Hall Club and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. During her junior and senior years, she was selected 'Miss Kappa Alpha Psi,' queen of the undergraduate SCSC chapter. Jean identified with and represented student leaders, competitors, and high achievers. They bonded together and remained friends for life,

During her college years, summer jobs were in New York City and as a Camp Counselor at Camp Harry Daniels, in Elloree, SC.

After graduation from S.C. State College, Jean entered, then graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, with a degree in Physical Therapy. She became a certified physical therapist and was employed with Michael Reese Mid-Provident Hospitals and the Chicago Board of Education, Chicago, IL.

She married Joseph Green, Jr. whom she met in Chicago. The Civil Rights movement opened new career opportunities and her husband started what would be a long and successful career with Prudential Life Insurance Co. This upward mobility opened doors for them in New Jersey, San Francisco, and ultimately Southern California. Jean continued her practice in Physical Therapy as they moved from east coast to west.

In addition to her professional life, Jean became active in the NAACP and The Links, Inc. Organization, Channel Island Chapter. Jean loved and was an avid tennis player and never left the court for 30 years until health reasons forced her to stop playing. Jean and Joe traveled abroad and in the United States extensively. They had strong family ties through annual family activities with the Chicago and California relatives. Jean and Joe were avid supporters of the Williams-Waymer-Carrion-Murray Family Reunions.

Jean and Joe had two children together. The oldest, Tamara Lynn Green, tragically passed away before her mother in 2009. Brian, the youngest at 52, lives in Northern California.

Retirement days were spent in Palm Desert, CA, where they enjoyed tennis, biking, bridge, and travel. They saw much of the world together in these days, traveling extensively by cruise ship.

Survivors are husband, Joseph Green, Jr., now living in Rancho Mirage, CA. and son, Brian Green of 1723 Meridian Way, Rocklin, CA, 95765, sister, Ms. Gloria Williams Gleason, Atlanta, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceding her in death are sisters, Thelma Williams, Mary Lou Williams Anderson, Inez Williams Middleton, Cynthia Williams Mike, Gwendolyn Williams Blassingale; and brothers, Willie Jerome Williams, Adam Gabriel Williams, Harold Williams, Maurice Williams and Lewis Williams.

Because of the times, with family and friends being unable to gather, Joe and Brian have decided to hold a memorial service on a later date, hopefully her birthday of next year, so that people may be able to come together to share love, respect, and remembrances.

In her memory, the family suggests contributions be made to SCSU Foundation, Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, S.C. State University, Orangeburg, S.C. 29117: or Gloria Williams Gleason Education Fund, 1438 Lartique, Orangeburg, S.C. 29118.

Courtesy announcement: Williams Funeral Home, 2362 Cleveland Street, P.O. Box 219, Elloree, South Carolina.