Jean F Cantrell

Jean Furches Cantrell, 75, of Kennesaw, GA, passed peacefully on Saturday, December 17, 2022 with her family at her side. She was born in Winston-Salem, NC on December 14,1947 to the late Burke and Opal Furches. Survivors include her husband, Doug/Al Cantrell of Kennesaw, GA, and sons, Thomas Cantrell of Phoenix, AZ and Todd Cantrell of Brown’s Mills, NJ; 2 grandchildren, Caden and Ethan Cantrell of Phoenix; sister, Ruth Reece and husband Ken from Raleigh, NC and sister-in-law, Jo Ann Kiser and husband, Dan from Woodstock, GA. She graduated from Reynolds High School in 1966 and Appalachian State University in 1970 with a degree in elementary education. Jean married the love of her life Doug (Al) on August 23, 1970. They met at Appalachian in 1967. People were often confused when she called her husband Doug and he would introduce himself as Al. She would say, “I married a Doug and you will remain a Doug to me”. That never changed! They were happily married for fifty-two years. Fortunately, they were able to travel to Paris/Normandy this summer for their Covid delayed 50 th anniversary. Jean became an elementary teacher and later an adjunct professor for University of Arizona teaching English as a Second Language to military wives. Later when her husband was working long term in California, she became a realtor with Harry Norman Realtors to be around people. Jean was an U.S. Army officer wife for thirty years and was always involved with soldiers and their families. She was well known for her willingness to make soldiers and their families at home especially during her seven years in Germany. For sure she was one of a kind and was a role model for Army wives. A true southern lady, she enjoyed her time in Asheville and Savannah, spending time with family, decorating the home for each of the seasons, cooking her favorite chocolate pound cake or working crosswords, sudoku or wordle. Kind and loving and she never met a stranger and people enjoyed being around her. She will be missed by all. She made life so much better because she was in it. Always a smile on her face and one of those special people who made everyone around her know that they mattered. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation or the charity of your choice . A memorial service will be held at Mayes-Ward, Dobbins on January 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends before the service from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Jean will be interned in a private ceremony at the Georgia National Cemetery prior to the visitation/service. Mayes-Ward, Dobbins of Marietta, GA.

Jean F Cantrell

December 14, 1947 - December 17, 2022