August 7, 2021, 83, LaGrange –
Jean Aldridge Abbott, 83, fell asleep in this world and awakened in her heavenly home on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Jean was born in Lenoir County to the late Harry and Thelma Sugg Aldridge on June 14, 1938. In addition to her parents, Jean was also predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Suggs, and husband of 56 years, Henry Abbott. Jean often said, “I’m ready to join my Henry and see my Savior face to face!”
Working alongside her husband, Jean was a vital asset for the day-to-day operations on the family farm. She was as faithful collecting eggs as the chickens were at laying them, often collecting 20,000 eggs a day. When the new chicks came along for the pullet houses, she was the best babysitter. Although they’d arrive 36,000 at the time, she made sure to care for each of them as if they were the only one. Her devotion to their well-being established their family farm as one of the healthiest facilities in the area. Having a knack for numbers and being the ultimate organizer, Jean was invaluable in keeping the farm’s books. Never allowing herself to be even a penny off, she maintained meticulous records and ensured that everything was running as it should.
As a charter member of Community Baptist Church, Jean expressed love for her Savior in many ways. She was a faithful supporter of the music ministry, singing in the choir, with her family quartet, and in the lady’s ensemble. She nurtured the spiritual growth of many generations of children, teaching the primary class Sunday School for over thirty years and helping with the church youth group. Perhaps her card ministry made the most lasting impression on souls, as she cared for the needs of her church family by offering a note of encouragement, sympathy, or congratulations for the many ups and downs of life. She made sure to acknowledge each member of her congregation and let them know that they were being held up in prayer and concern.
Time spent with Henry made the happiest moments of Jean’s life. The two walked side by side every morning at 7:00 for a brisk three-and-a-half-mile walk. If they weren’t walking, you could see them all over town riding their tandem bicycle. Raising money for causes such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, she and Henry likely rode thousands of miles without ever leaving La Grange. As an excellent swimmer, Jean enjoyed time spent with her kids and grandkids at the pool at Lake Pines.
Much like Jean’s walking, no one could keep up with her fishing. Standing on the same pier with Henry, casting in the same area and using the same bait, she would constantly reel them in while he never even got a tug on his line. Fishing with Jean was a pure delight—so long as you stayed clear of her casting.
Having a deep desire to share the gospel of Christ, Jean was a loyal member of the Gideons International Auxiliary. Passing out New Testament Bibles or offering tracks to all who would accept them, she shared the love of Christ with all she met. For fifteen years, she and Henry joined with others on mission trips to locations including Indonesia, Peru, Mexico, Haiti, and Jamaica. Her strong work ethic and organizational skills were a tremendous benefit to those traveling along with her.
A service to remember and honor Jean’s life will be held Thursday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, La Grange. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Family Life Center. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery on Friday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m.
Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her children, Cindy Freeman and husband, Matt, and Mike Abbott and wife, Donna; grandchildren, David Sager and wife, Lora, Daniel Sager, Janna Sager, Jared Sager, Jacob Sager, Lauren Freeman, Michelle Pavlik and husband, Jay, and Rachel Abbott; and great-grandchildren, Isaac, Elissa, Elijah, Emma, and Eleana.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Baptist Church, 501 S. Charles Street, La Grange, NC 28551, or to The Wilds Christian Association, Inc., P.O. Box 509, Taylors, SC 29687-0009. Arrangements entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
