Jean Hicklin Earnhardt, 97, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Jean was born on June 28, 1927, in Edgemoor, South Carolina, where she grew up on a small farm that had been in her family since the 1700s. Generations of her ancestors had lived nearby, and Jean shared her early years with her many siblings and nearby relatives.
After graduating from high school, she moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to join her sister Sue and began working as a hospital phlebotomist. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mack Monroe Earnhardt Sr., when he came in to donate blood. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage on Christmas Day, 1950, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 72 years until Mack’s passing in February 2023.
Jean and Mack were blessed with their daughter, Susan Elaine Earnhardt, before relocating in 1954 to Waverly, Ohio, where Mack continued his career as a chemical engineer at the Goodyear Atomic Corporation Plant in Piketon. Later, they welcomed their son, Mack Monroe Earnhardt, Jr. In Waverly, Jean focused on raising the children, and tended to the needs of the cats, the dogs, the grandchildren, sometimes goats or other livestock, and her mother-in-law.
In Waverly, Jean became deeply involved in her children’s school and church activities. She and Mack also enjoyed square dancing and camping with friends, often vacationing with family in North and South Carolina. Many cherished family stories revolve around trips in their beloved Shasta trailer.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Susan Deering, and her husband Randy; her son, Mack Earnhardt Jr., and his wife Christina; her four grandchildren, Sarah Deering Malone (Andrew), Robert Monroe Deering (Brandy), Jessica Earnhardt, and Allison Earnhardt; and two great-grandchildren, Camden David Deering and Maxon Monroe-Pershing Deering.
The family extends a special thank you to Dana Minshall and the staff of the Bristol Memory Gardens for their kind assistance.
Consistent with Jean’s wishes a private funeral service was held for the family.
Arrangements in care of Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.
