Jean T. Urtz (February 27, 1928 - March 10, 2024)

Jean Turner Urtz was born February 27, 1928 in Rome, NY to the late Truman and Frances Turner. She

was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Urtz and her daughter Joanie. She was also preceded by

her siblings Evelyn, Helen, Louis, Truman, Arlie, Ina, Joan and Ruby. She also mourned the loss of a

daughter-in-law, Peggy Urtz and sons-in-law, Benton Dailey and Michael Berry.

Jean grew up in Stanwix, a small community between Rome and Utica, New York. She was a gifted

student graduating from Oriskany High School at the age of 16, having been allowed to skip grades,

twice. Having lost her father, she continued her education with the help of her mother and older sisters

and graduated from the Utica School of Commerce. After she graduated, she went to work for Revere

Copper and Brass, one of America's oldest manufacturing companies. By the age of 22, she had become

an executive secretary to the company's top management.

On May 27, 1950, Jean wed Francis Urtz. They were quick to start a family. On March 19, 1951 she

gave birth to identical twins, Jeanie and Joanie who were quickly followed by their son, Gary, and

daughter, Lynn. By this time Jean had left the business world. Having been raised in a large family, Jean

had always desired her own and happily adopted the role of a mother, devoting herself to the care and

needs of her young family. However, tragedy struck with the sudden death of her sweet Joanie.

After the tragic loss of their daughter, Jean and Francis decided to take a chance on a fresh start and

moved south in the mid-1950s, following a job offer from Oneita Knitting Mills, a company that was

moving its operation from Utica, New York to Andrews, SC. Packing up their kids and belongings, they

moved from Upstate New York, to Andrews, SC in the middle of August. Shortly after settling in

Andrews, Jean gave birth to a second son, Larry, and after moving to Georgetown in 1962, a third son,

Bruce.

Jean devoted herself to her children. Raising five kids with their own distinct personalities, she sought

to encourage her kids in whatever their particular interests might be. She created an environment where

ideas were exchanged. Afternoons at her kitchen table were known for the gathering of priests, teachers,

and other adults discussing the issues of the day, usually over a cold beer. Because of these experiences,

many of her children's sensibilities were shaped by these discussions, something they are grateful for to

this day.

Jean was also a wonderful friend to others. Though she would never view it as such, Jean had a ministry

for helping those dealing with serious health concerns. She lovingly accompanied so many on their final

journey home.

Jean was loved dearly by family and friends. Those who are left to cherish her memory are her youngest

sister, Sandra DeFrees. She leaves behind the following children: Jeanie Dailey, Gary Urtz, Lynn Berry,

Larry (Kathy) Urtz, and Bruce (Patty) Urtz; nine grandchildren: Michael Hendrix, Francis "Jake" Urtz,

Diana Dailey, John Urtz, Sara Garel, Alan Urtz, Michael Urtz, Christopher Urtz, and Stephen Urtz; six

great-grandchildren: Joey and Charlie Hendrix, Manning and Lennon Gray Dailey, Leo Garel, and

Teddy Urtz. Countless nephews and nieces remain.

A graveside service will be Friday March 22, 2024, 11:00 AM at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to All 4 Paws, 708 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC

29585 or St. Francis Animal Center,125 Ridge Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 or the charity of your

choice.

Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting family.