Jean Marable Holcomb

Jean Marable Holcomb, 86, of Bishop, passed away November 22.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, the love of her life, Charles Holcomb. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Carol Coleman; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dawson and Sara Maxey; and her niece, Ivey Willoughby.  She is survived by her brother Richard (Linda) Coleman, her three birth children Karey (Jim) Russell, Kent (Bethany) Holcomb, Todd (Tammy) Holcomb, and her daughter by choice and by heart, Charlene (Reginald) Thompson.  Surviving grandchildren are Kate Russell, Rob Russell, Aubrie Holcomb, Taylor Holcomb, step-grandchildren Shea (Joe) Greene and Justin Crow and nephews Wayne (Helen) Maxey and Mike (Debra) Maxey.
Jean was born in Oconee County and often talked lovingly of her childhood on a farm with her cousin (like a brother) Ted Short, her mother and her grandparents.  During World War II, she and her mother moved to Charleston, South Carolina with her Uncle Vern Marable's family where her mother worked as a riveter in the shipyards and she developed a love for the ocean. In her late teens, they moved back to Oconee County where she met and fell in love with her "Charlie".  They married on June 13, 1951.  During her life she was a nurturer, giver, and teacher as evidenced by the following. A stay-at-home mother of 3 children, she was always involved with their in and out-of-school activities.  She served on the PTA and donated time often in the schools.  When her husband Charles asked, she served as his campaign manager for his successful run for sheriff, the office he held for 24 years.  After raising her children, she worked as an aide in a classroom for developmentally disabled 3-5 year old children. She was a very active and devoted member of Bishop Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She loved working with youth and served as co-leader of the Girls' Auxiliary (GAs) for many years and continued sharing memories of the girls and activities even through recent years.  She taught youth through adult Sunday School classes, taught and served as director of the Vacation Bible School, and hosted and led Bible studies.  One such Bible study was very close and dear to her heart.  A group of young women requested the study and they met regularly at Jean's house.  The study evolved into a bonding with "the girls" (as Jean and Charles referred to them) that continued until her death.   She was a painter and board member of the Athens Art Association for many years. She also served in civic groups and fundraisers for the betterment of Oconee County.  Jean will be remembered most for her giving heart and unconditional love.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, WEST, with Rev. Eric Buffington officiating. Interment will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Lord and Stephens, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com