Jean Rowe Dodd, 96, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026. She was born on January 6, 1930, in Aurora, North Carolina to Milan Rodman Rowe and Era Mae Cayton Rowe. She was the youngest of four sisters, whom their father affectionately called his “Four Roses.” She later moved to Raleigh, where she attended Hugh Morson High School and Peace College. Jean married George Dodd in 1954 and had three boys: Tommy, Bobby, and Larry. She was remarried in 1989 to Robert “Bob” McCarthy.

She began her career at First Citizens and later became a successful businesswoman, owning and operating daycare centers.

She appreciated staying active and remained committed to her health, working closely with her personal trainer, Leigh and even taking up golf in her 60s. She enjoyed the details that made life feel special—from her standing hair and nail appointments every Tuesday at 10:00am to her collection of cocktail napkins with clever sayings. She loved to dance and had a deep appreciation for Patsy Cline and country music.

She loved telling stories and was known for her “award-winning” Ritz cracker pie. She also had quite the sweet tooth. She had a lifelong love of dogs, especially her teacup poodles, Missy and Precious.

More than anything, Jean loved her family. She was happiest with them—hugging them, laughing with them, and reminding them often with her favorite words, “I love you more.” She cherished time at her beach house in Atlantic Beach and found deep joy in caring for children, especially her grandchildren. She was proud to be a great-grandmother. Fondly known as "Bamma" to her friends and family—a name bestowed by her first granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milan Rodman and Ira Mae Cayton Rowe; her husband, Robert McCarthy of Raleigh, NC; her sisters, Eleanor Hailey of Raleigh, NC, Francis Yates of Atlanta, GA, and Lois Wheeler Smith of Savannah, GA; her daughter-in-law, Lynn East Dodd of Raleigh, NC; and the father of her children, George Dodd of Raleigh, NC.

She is survived by her children: Tommy Dodd of Raleigh, NC; Bobby Dodd (Debbie) of Raleigh, NC; and Larry Dodd (Ginny) of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ashley Riley (Nate Riley Sr.); Bobby Dodd, Jr. (Kate); Hayden Dodd; Cayton Dodd; Ginna Dodd; Sam Dodd; Luke Dodd; Mary Dodd; Molly Dodd; Kenan Dodd; Bryson Dodd; and Starlyn Dodd, all of Raleigh, NC and her step grandchildren: Brendan McCarthy, Brady McCarthy, Cailyn McCarthy of Hanover, MA, Chloe McCarthy, Mia McCarthy of Dorchester, MA and Thomas Mannion of Quincy, MA

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Nate Riley, Jr.; Peyton Riley; Harvey Dodd; and Maia Dodd, all of Raleigh, NC.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Montlawn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Montlawn Funeral Home with Rev. Pat Teague officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, where Jean will be laid to rest.

Her grace, love, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Montlawn Funeral Home, and Memorial Park is honored to be serving the Dodd family.