On Friday, May 7, 2021 Jean Etheridge Stainback, beloved wife and loving mother of two children passed away at the age of 94.  Jean was born on April 20, 1927 in Raleigh, NC to Ellen Barham Etheridge and Paul Etheridge Sr. She had two brothers, Donald McGee Etheridge and Paul Etheridge, Jr., both deceased.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946, she married Marvin Justis Stainback. They raised two children, Gary and Marlene. Both Jean & Marvin were exceptional parents.  They were committed to God, serving Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh and loving each other. They wanted their kids to have a better education than either of them.  Both worked full time, saving their money to prepare for a better tomorrow, be it their kids future or their own retirement.

Jean was Key Punch Operator from 1945 – 2006 (61 years!) She loved her co-workers at State Treasury Dept, IBM, Norfolk Southern Railway and Durham Life.  Jean never applied for a job, but was recruited by word of mouth based on her experience.  She was an accomplished pianist and loved hearing John Stroud's music at her church.  Both Gary & Marlene are appreciative of all the love, support and commitment provided by both their parents. In addition to her parents and brothers, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin of 50 years.

An accomplished seamstress, knitter and cross-stitcher, Jean somehow managed to find time to make most of Marlene's clothes as a child and smocked dresses for her grandchildren. In her youth, she played piano and organ where she experienced the joy of music. Jean also enjoyed reading and traveling with family and friends to places including Myrtle Beach, SC, VA, FL and their lake house in Clarksville, VA. She had a gregarious personality, kind, compassionate spirit and thoughtful to all she met.

Surviving family: son-Gary Stainback (Teresa) of Chocowinity, NC, daughter-Marlene Nickell (Roy) of Cary, NC; granddaughters-Amanda Corman (RJ) and Betsy Brinson (Dwane); niece-Donna Ann Prince (Bill) and nephew-Donald M. Etheridge Jr. (Dalby); and many great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on May 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. Visitation will be in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 – 1:50 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Mask and social distancing observed.