Jean McNeil Triplett of Lenoir passed away peacefully Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville of complications from a car accident. She was 84.

Jean was born on May 25, 1939 in Caldwell County to the late James Thomas McNeil and Lucy Cardwell McNeil. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Andrew Triplett.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, James Andy Triplett of Lenoir; daughter, Angie Ashley, and husband Joey of Lenoir; sister, Gail White and husband Harold of Ennis Montana; two grandchildren, Zachary Triplett, and Carson Ashley of Wilmington; one great-grandchild, Milo Elliott Triplett, son of Chantelle Polley of Virginia; a Niece, Tammy Eggleton and husband Matt of Virginia; and one great niece, Erica Eggleton, and husband Olaf of Washington.

Jean was a long-time member of Crestview Baptist church where she leaves behind many good friends. She loved listening to her Pastor Mike Issacs and would share his message on Sundays with others. She was known to come early, sit in the back, and then be the first one out of the door to get to lunch. Jean was a born again Christian and ready to meet God.

Jean was a worker. She constantly stayed busy at home cleaning and organizing all things. You could "eat off her floor." She worked several places in Lenoir but her favorite was at The Holiday Inn of Lenoir. The staff became members of her family as well. Robert Piercy, Mark Cromer, and Cameron Dula became honorary Triplett family members. The love of this group of folks still made her happy and grateful till the end.

Jean was also a very social person. She leaves behind her sister (in-law) Alda Triplett, who was her "partner in crime" and best friend. These 2 could be seen with their special "HUB" party group on many weekends. Whether it was dinner theatre, a trip, or Friday night music on any square, they always had a great time. Jean spent many evenings dancing the night away. Most of you know she loved Elvis, but secretly, she loved the Bee Gees.

Her daughter and son-in law introduced her to smartphones and Facebook after Steve passed. She loved the ability to connect to so many family and friends so easily. She was known as the Queen of replies on Facebook. If you are reading this, you know exactly what we mean. She was a cheerleader to all, replying on everyone's post. Jean and Steve were huge Tarheel fans. She once told her daughter that Roy Williams "put a picture on her phone of himself." Her daughter replied, "Well Yes he did!"

On the day before her death, she told her children that she just couldn't live forever and that she had to go sometime. She said she wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. She got her wish the next day, only, she did wake up…in Heaven.

A private ceremony to spread the ashes of Jean and Steve will be held by the family in June.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is assisting the family.