Jean Hensley Lonon, age 98, of Old Fort passed away peacefully Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehab in Black Mountain, with her loving family at her bedside.

Jean was born April 8, 1926, in McDowell County to the late Will Hensley and Blanche Ricketts Hensley. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John W. Lonon; her son, Mike Lonon; and seven siblings.

Jean retired from the State of North Carolina and subsequently became the director of the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort, where she dedicated many years to preserving and showcasing the region's history and culture. Her tenure at the museum was marked by her passion for the local heritage, and she played a significant role in organizing events, curating exhibits, and engaging the community. Jean's leadership and commitment helped the museum flourish and become a beloved institution in the area.

In her free time, Jean had a deep love for gardening. She spent countless hours tending to her garden, cultivating a variety of plants and flowers. Her garden was a vibrant, colorful retreat that reflected her nurturing spirit and attention to detail.

Jean also cherished spending time with her family. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and delicious homemade meals. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt, always putting her loved ones first and creating lasting memories for everyone.

Known for her lively personality, Jean was a force to be reckoned with. She was blunt and to the point, never shying away from expressing her true feelings. If she didn’t like something, she didn’t hesitate to let you know. Her honesty was refreshing, and while it could be surprising to some, those who knew her well appreciated her candor and genuine nature.

Jean's legacy is one of dedication, passion, and authenticity. Her impact on the Mountain Gateway Museum and her community will be remembered fondly, and her vibrant spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those left behind to cherish Jean’s memory are two sons, Jerry Lonon and Keith Lonon both of Charleston, SC; four grandchildren, Mikey Lonon of Bern, TX, Jennie Lonon of Anthony, FL, Stephanie Lonon of Marion, and Mike Lonon of Ohio; six great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and one brother, Harold Hensley.

In keeping Jean’s wishes no services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, we would be honored to have you support Mountain Ridge Health & Rehab, as they supported us in our time of need. Mailing address, 611 Old US Hwy 70 E, Black Mountain, NC 28711.