AVON — Jean Tennent Meyer, a resident ofAvon, formerly of Poughkeepsie and New Windsor, N.Y., passed away onApril 20th with her family by her side. She was in her 82nd year. Jeanwas born in Chappaqua, N.Y., on Aug 14, 1929 to the late Alice DringTennent and John Tennent and attended Roosevelt High School in HydePark, N.Y., where she was captain of the cheerleading team.
Upon graduating from Plattsburg State College with a degree in homeeconomics, Jean began a career of professional excellence. She wasemployed at Central Hudson, where she became one of the first women tohold a management position. In 1978, The Evening News described Jean as“a vivacious, outgoing” young woman and praised her for encouragingwomen to assume leadership positions within the company.
Jean’s community contributions began with the Zonta Club of Newburgh,N.Y., where she served as president. After retiring from CentralHudson, Jean and her husband, Howard, moved to Cape Hatteras. She waspresident of the Avon Property Owners Association, an active member ofthe Republican Party, and a member of St. John’s Methodist Church. In2000, she was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Award by Governor JamesHunt, Jr. for her tireless volunteer efforts at the Cape HatterasLighthouse.
Jean is survived by her husband, Howard Meyer, of Avon, and herdaughter and son-in-law, Marcia Rood O’Neill and Thomas J. O’Neill, ofPoughkeepsie, N.Y. She had three grandchildren, Emily O’Neill, AndrewO’Neill, and Alicia Farquhar, and a great-granddaughter, Ashley Bowman.She is also survived by her stepson, Geoffrey Meyer, his wife Mary, andtheir son Trevor of Gardener, N.Y. She was predeceased by her daughter,Drucilla Rood, and her sister, Lois Adams.
Jean loved photography, her yearly trip to the island of St. Maarten,and her rescue dog, Angel. Her greatest and most obvious pleasure,however, was spending time with her family, who will miss her always.
Donations, if so desired, may be made in her memory to the Friends ofFelines— Cape Hatteras Island, Box 310, Avon, NC 27915. Amemorial service for Jean Tennent Meyer of Avon will be held onTuesday, Aug. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church inAvon.Twiford Funeral Home, Colony Chapel, Manteo, NC is assisting the familywith arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.
