Jean Ridgeway

Jean W. Ridgeway, of Decatur Georgia, passed away on 11/27/2017. She died peacefully in the presence of her husband and daughter.
Born in Protemus, TN on 6/10/1934, she lived most of her life in Decatur, Ga. After having graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta she worked for the Atlanta Lithograph Company. On 1/13/1956 she married Joseph G Ridgeway who she remained married to for 61 years. After her second child was born, she settled down to be a stay at home mother and she put all she had into this endeavor. Unfortunate circumstances would cause her and her husband to lose their first child, Jay, to a wreck while professionally racing motorcycles in 1977. Jean loved being a mother and made every occasion extra special with added touches for both children. She coached soccer for many years, loved to cook, garden, share her talent of making crafts and cheer on Renee and friends at many a sporting event; never missing a game. She was an avid Braves fan and a big fan of the Final Four. Being known as a fantastic cook, many a friend had a special request. She was also that neighbor who would do for her neighbors out of the kindness of her heart and in return, many a beloved friendship blossomed. From mowing yards to butterflying the cuts of local kids.... she was loved by many. She was independent, sassy, stubborn and there is no doubt that she was tough as nails too. This was very obvious even up to the very end.
She is preceded in death by her parents Gertrude and Tom Wall of Union City TN, her brother Tom Wall of Michigan,her sister Mary Ellen Dunavant of Union City, TN and her son Jay Ridgeway of Decatur, Ga. She is survived by Joe Ridgeway (her husband of 61 years), her sister Connie Price Hailey of Millington, TN, her brother John Wall of Union City, TN and her daughter Renee Ridgeway (Kim Flowers) of Birmingham, AL and grandchildren Grace and Jack Flowers.
Words can not express how deeply saddened we are; however we are thankful that she is no longer suffering and struggling. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Why It Matters Campaign associated with your local YMCA or to the Papa Joe Ridgeway Fund at your local Wellsfargo, which was set up to assist Joe with further arrangements and homebound assistance. Visitation will be December 2, 2017 at A.S. Turner & Sons at 2 pm. There will be a graveside service immediately following at 4 pm. Family and friends are welcome to stop by the Ridgeways home immediately following. The Ridgeways want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. We love you all.