Lois Jean Blythe Bundy

Jean Bundy, known for her ready smile and her wink, passed away on October 30, 2020 at Camden Health where she was a resident for over a year. She was born on August 17, 1938 at St. Leo’s in Greensboro. She is preceded in death by her parents Dennis Calvin Blythe and Sina Mae Lemonds Blythe of Hendersonville and stepmother Elizabeth Mauney Blythe of Cherryville, and her beloved brother, Clarence and infant sister Ava. She is survived by her loving and attentive daughter Sherry Royal (Donnie), stepchildren Debra, Jimmy, Kelly, her nieces and nephews, cousins, close church, lifelong friends, and teachers. Jean grew up mostly in Whitsett and Hendersonville as the family moved for her father’s work as A&P Butcher / Manager and then at Blythe’s Market on 7th Avenue East. Jean played Women’s half-court Basketball and was an Archer. She was on the Women’s Intramural Council, The Clarion Newspaper Staff, Euterpean Society, Christian Fellowship, Chorus, Glee Club, Bible Club, Library Club, French Club. After graduating Hendersonville High School and Brevard College she worked with teens at Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk. She came to Greensboro for the Thanksgiving Day parade where she spotted a Tiny Tots Playschool / Hester’s Creative School’s bus. She wrote the owners a letter, was hired, moved to Whitsett, then Greensboro YWCA and taught preschool including Montessori Lessons for 45 years at Hester’s. In her years of retirement Jean was a substitute with Friendly Avenue Baptist Church Preschool and a teacher at First Baptist Church Preschool. While teaching, she continued her education receiving Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and adult literacy education certification. For many years she would walk in the early morning with daughter in tow to Hester’s in literally all types of weather ensuring parents would always have childcare available. As the need arose she said would return and even close the school. Jean loved children, special needs persons, the color red, and the fellowship of friends. She was extremely active in Happy Hearts Class special education at First Baptist Church. Through her church at Rolling Roads Baptist and earlier Clifton Road Baptist, Jean faithfully participated as Director of Vacation Bible School, for many years teacher of children for VBS and Sunday School for children and was an adult teacher for Sunday School, continuing to give to children throughout her life. She also had a love for music and sang in the choir at Rolling Roads Baptist Church. Jean’s love for pottery came from her maternal family of Lemonds / McNeill of Seagrove and wanted her final resting place with her Grandmother Artimisha McNeill Lemonds, daughter of potter Thomas McNeill and Martha Jane Bean McNeill. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at First Baptist Church & family gathering for burial at Union Grove Baptist Church in Seagrove, NC, due to the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to Happy Hearts, First Baptist Church, 1000 W Friendly Ave, Greensboro. Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.