On December 22, Jean passed away peacefully at the age of 85 and will be remembered for her zest for life and the unwavering pursuit of her dreams and goals.

Jean was born Barbara Jean Steele, affectionately nicknamed Bobbie Jean, preferring simply Jean. She was born in Griffin, GA, the seventh child of Morton Charlie Steele and Myrtle Ethylene Morris Steele. Jean spent her childhood on the family farm located on Tara Boulevard at Freeman Road in Jonesboro, Georgia.

As a teenager, Jean relocated to Atlanta to live with her sister Frances and her husband, Oliver Carter allowing her to attend Russell High School, East Point, where she was an active student and spirited majorette performing at football games. She graduated in 1957. 

After graduation, Jean married George Welsman Atwood, Jr. Upon his college graduation they lived at Fort Sill, OK and Fort Hood, TX during his US Army service, then returned to Atlanta to start a family. They had two children, Barry K. Atwood and Lisa J. Moy. Jean and George were married from 1957 to 1968. Following their separation, Jean married Howard Worley, a union that lasted from 1968 to 1980.

Jean’s professional career was diverse and impressive, ranging from clerical positions to vice president. She particularly cherished her time in mortgage banking. Employers included General Electric, Commercial Cold Storage, Ticor Title Insurance, and First National Bank of Gainesville, GA, as well as family businesses.

In 1982, Jean met the love of her life, Roy T. Williams, and they married in 1983. Together, they shared 41 beautiful years of companionship. Roy cared for Jean devotedly during her illness. The couple explored the world, enjoying adventures on their motor yacht, Day Dreamer, and embarking on extensive road trips in their motorhomes with their beloved cat “BC”, traveling as far as Alaska and across the United States and Canada. The two of them joined the Navy Reserves serving together in the early 1980s. Jean and Roy relocated from Atlanta to Lake Lanier, Hall County, GA from 1986 to 1995 and then to Little River, SC, from 1995 to 2014. From there, they relocated to Pooler, GA, near Savannah.

Jean is predeceased by all six of her siblings: Dorothy, Robert, Margaret, Frances, JoAnn, and Charles, however she is survived by seven nieces and nephews.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband Roy, her children Lisa and Barry, their partners, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her vibrant spirit, love for adventure, and deep devotion to her family will remain an enduring legacy. Jean's wishes were that her ashes be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean.