On Wednesday, March 30th, 2022, Jean Anne Vollrath passed away peacefully at the age of 67.
Jean was born June 29th 1954, in Indianapolis,
Indiana to Victor and Isabelle (Burnside) Vollrath.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruth
and her husband Greg Talbott. She is survived by her sister Dona, stepson Matt
Talbott (wife Angela) and his daughter Addilyn, and her children Jessie
Talbott, Ben Talbott (wife Sydney Williams) along with many other nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
Jean came to North Carolina in the 1980’s and proceeded to weave
together a rich life full of chosen family and quirky children. An independent
woman, Jean loved fiercely and gave everything she had to the project at hand.
Together with her husband she ran two small businesses, Twin Birch Products and
Hickory Mountain Weavery. When her love, Greg, was taken too soon, Jean worked
through her grief and raised two teenagers while earning a Master of Library
Science, one of several advanced degrees. Jean loved weaving and many of her lifelong
friends were found through teaching the hand craft to others.
Jean often served as a moral compass, a voice of reason, and
a role model but her favorite thing in life was being a mother to Jessie and
Ben. She was so proud of the humans they became, and often gave credit not just
to herself but to the many mentors that lent their love and knowledge. In her
later years Jean became adventurous. She pushed through her fears and learned
to kayak, bought a 5th wheel camper, and kept a travel blog that can
be found at almostintrepid.blogspot. Jean drove into Canada more than once,
across the US more than once, and burned up the roads of the South Eastern US
with such ferocity that it was often hard for her kids and travel companions to
keep up!
In her last months Jean reflected how lucky she was to know
so much love and community in one lifetime. Though her speech waned, she made
sure to express her love and gratitude daily. If you knew our mother and would
like to join us, there will be a jolly potluck in the fellowship hall at Spring
Friends Meeting after the service. Bring your comfort food but be ready to take
a plate home with you because our pantries have already been filled with love
this week!
