Jean Williams Tedder

Jean Williams Tedder, age 95, a long-time resident of Phenix City, AL, went to be with the Lord on Sunday June 2, 2024.  One of 12 children, she was born on December 4, 1928, in the beautiful seaside town of Bournemouth, England, to William “Will” and Margaret (“Mag”) Louise Williams.

Jean went to school and grew up in Bournemouth during the Second World War.  Life was not easy during that time of world crisis. However, even as large as their family was, Jean’s parents took in displaced children from London and France.  Jean’s love of children and volunteering developed during this time. 

It was during the end of WW2 that Jean met a handsome American GI, at a USO dance, Jack Harold Tedder.  Although it was difficult for her to leave her close-knit family, Jean emigrated to the United States in 1947.  On March 15, 1947, she married Jack. Jack reenlisted into the military as an Explosive Ordinance Specialist for the next 20+ years; life for the family was transit and busy. The family lived in numerous locations throughout the United States, along with tours of duty in Turkey and England. Jean was a stay-at-home mom during their military life.  She was a gracious host to many GI’s and their families. After Jack retired from the military, they eventually made Phenix City, AL, their home.  

Jean was driven by a passion to help others. For nearly 30 years Jean was an active and committed volunteer within the Phenix City community. She and Jack were devoted to serving disadvantaged children.   They spent many summers at Camp Joy, counseling and teaching crafts to the children who were fortunate enough to attend the camp.

Jean was also a long-time member of the Valley Rescue Mission Auxiliary.  

Jean’s Christian faith was central to her life, and she often encouraged others with God’s Love.  She was a long-time member of Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL. She loved her church and her church family. She especially enjoyed her Sunday School class, “The Joyful Servants”.

Jean is survived by her four children:

Two daughters, Patricia (James) Amspaugh of Yukon, Oklahoma; Rebecca Hawkins of Phenix City, Alabama and her two sons, Ronald (Diane) Tedder of San Antonio, Texas, and Christopher (Rhonda) Tedder of Valley, Alabama. Also, included are four grandsons, Ronnie Tedder, Michael McGill, Brian Tedder, and Steven Hawkins Jr., two granddaughters: Michelle Tedder and Sarah Tedder, and eight great grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jack; her parents William and Margaret Williams, and eleven siblings.

Visitation will be Friday, June 14, 2024, from 9:30 am until 10:30. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held immediately after Visitation at 10:30 am at Lakewood Baptist Church, 4011 Lakewood Drive, Phenix City, Al 36867.

Private interment will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery after the Celebration of Life Ceremony at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial gifts to Lakewood Baptist Church, 4011 Lakewood Dr., Phenix City AL, or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Rd., Columbus, GA.