Jean Carol Graves Baxley's Obituary
Jean Carol Graves Baxley, age 73 of Newberry, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018. Jean was born on March 6, 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mildred and Eli Graves of Lebanon, TN.
She attended McClain Elementary School, Lebanon Jr. High and Lebanon High School, all in Lebanon, TN and graduated from Gainesville High School. She then attended Daytona Beach Junior College and Santa Fe Community College. She received her Stenographic Degree from the International Business Correspondence School (ICS) in Chicago, Illinois and a Paralegal Degree Certification from Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL.
Jean was employed at the City of Gainesville Police Department in the records department; Daytona Beach Police Department in records and detective division; Law Office of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed in Orlando, FL, as a Paralegal; Law Office of Philip A. Tharp in Orlando, FL, as a Paralegal and she worked at Alachua County Abstract Company, which later became First American Title Insurance Company for over 20 years.
She was baptized and became a Christian on November 12, 1960. She was a member of the Chancel Choir of the Kissimmee First United Methodist Church and is currently a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Mildred Blair and Eli Graves of Lebanon, TN and daughter Patricia Carol Decker McGlynn of Gainesville, FL. She is survived by her adored husband of 32 years, John Baxley and blessed with step-daughters, Dana (Ed) James and Donna (Eddie) Dixon; grandchildren, Maggie Crews, C.J. Walker, Ashley Hays, Eric Dixon, Jennifer Taduran and Kris James as well as 9 great-grandchildren; aunt, Lotus Graves of Tennessee; beloved cousin, Betty Rae Albers of Sarasota, FL and numerous other cousins and family members, including step-father-in-law, Mike Kreshka of Jacksonville, FL.
Her husband John said that she was the most trustworthy person he had ever known, and she was loved by all who had the joy of meeting her. Her husband loved and cherished her dearly and stated that he believes she was the finest woman who ever walked the face of the earth.
Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, with Rev. Steve Price officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Avenue. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.
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