Jean Cureton

Jean Phyllis Cureton
6/12/1942 - 6/22/2023

Jean Cureton, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed peacefully in Raleigh NC at the age of 81.

Jean had a zest for life.

Her quick wit and sly smile brought joy to those around her. She believed in the power of laughter and play. Impromptu dance parties, cartwheels, and singing at the break of dawn were common.

With her strong Christian faith guiding her, she walked the talk, inspiring those she met along the way.

Jean was a self-taught naturalist intrigued by science. Her favorite animals included monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, blue birds, and deer. She also loved rainbows, sunsets, thunderstorms, and stars. Her hobbies included planting wildflowers, hiking, and listening to country music.

Jean’s strong will, work ethic, resiliency, and passionate spirit helped her achieve lifelong dreams.

Born and raised in Dungannon VA, Jean graduated from Dungannon High School. She then attended business school and obtained her real estate license. Employing her natural people skills, Jean sold real estate in Raleigh then excelled in retail sales before her retirement.

Jean loved traveling and adventure. Some of her favorite places included the Grand Tetons, Yosemite National Park, and Montana. After living across the US, country roads took her home to the mountains of Virginia where she built her forever home.

Jean was the middle child of seven. She was preceded in death by her parents: Mary Kate and Kyle Marshall; her siblings: Jimmy Marshall, Jerry Marshall, and Fern (Johnny) Barris; brother-in-law George Bridges; her son, James Travis Cureton; and Michael Blackwell. She is survived by her sisters: Sybil Bridges, Judy (Bruce) Brewer, and Ann Cox; sisters-in-law Sylvia Marshall and Elaine Marshall; the father of her children, James M Cureton; her daughters: Cinnamon Frame (John Wood) and Paige Cureton (Jeremy Shelton); her grandchildren: Dillon Frame, Skye Frame (Andrew Vitkus), and Kahla Cureton, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in Dungannon VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy.

“Live every day with gratitude. Smile and laugh lots and lots. Hallelujah!” ~ Jean