Jean Matherne Avery

Jean Matherne Avery, born June 29, 1946, in Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to her family and community. She passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. A proud graduate of Haywood High School, Jean went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee and later a Master of Science in Education from Georgia State University. She devoted many years to teaching second grade in the Cobb County School System, where she touched countless young lives with her kindness, patience, and passion for education.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Jean was an accomplished entrepreneur, running a successful catering company in Brownsville prior to her retirement. She was especially known for her cooking, with her toast cups often remembered as the best in town. Jean was an active and engaged member of her community. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Review Club. She also gave generously of her time volunteering for many years at the Children’s Alliance Theater in Atlanta.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Jean was deeply involved in her children’s lives. She served as a team mom for her sons’ soccer teams and volunteered in their schools, tutoring students and supporting their growth. She passed along her love of cooking to both her children and grandchildren. Jean had a love for travel and cherished many memorable journeys, including her favorite riverboat cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Jean also loved traveling to Cumberland Island where she would play in the surf and admired the sunsets. She spent many days walking the grounds of Dungeness and the white sandy beaches where wild horses would be found walking the shoreline. Jean was an avid college football fan and could often be found cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers in Neyland Stadium on Saturdays. In later years, she continued that tradition faithfully from her home in Brownsville, never missing a game.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Judge L. Kirby Matherne and Betty Graham Matherne, and her sister, Mayor Betty Jo Matherne. Jean is survived by her sons Louis Kevin Avery and Michael Brent Avery; brothers, Louis Kirby Matherne Jr. and James Graham Matherne; her sister, Debra Matherne Jones; and her beloved grandchildren: Grace Harper Avery, Parker Elizabeth Avery, Louis “Luke” Kevin Avery Jr., Merideth Blake Avery, and Aaron Michael Avery.

Jean will be remembered for her warm spirit, her generosity, her love of family, and her unwavering enthusiasm for life. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and countless cherished memories that will live on in all who knew and loved her.

A gathering for remembrance will occur Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in remembrance of Jean should be made at a charity of their choice.