Jean Louise Brown-Ullrey

Brown-Ullrey, Jean Jean Louise Brown-Ullrey (Gillett) left her earthly home behind on Saturday August 19 at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and true friend to many. She was a kind and truly generous soul who demonstrated an open-mindedness and willingness to listen, serving as a role model for all generations. Jean was born on June 12, 1925 to Walter Gillett and Jennie Anderson, daughter of Swedish immigrants. She grew up during the Depression on a farm in Shelbyville, Michigan, started school in a one room schoolhouse, and graduated from Martin High School in 1942. She graduated from Western Michigan University, at the time called Western Michigan College in 1946. She then went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone company where she met several of her life long friends. Jean and her first husband, Gordon, were married on May 17 of 1947. Jean was a stay at home mom until all three children had begun school. She then returned to Western to get her teaching certificate after which she began her teaching career. She returned to Western a third time to complete her Master's degree in 1969. Jean taught English, History, Geography and Social Studies to 7th and 8th graders in Vicksburg for 21 years. She was famous for her creative and innovative bulletin boards and was well loved by students and teachers alike. She retired from teaching in 1985 an enjoyed 5 years of retirement and winters in Myrtle Beach with Gordon until his death in 1990. Jean was then blessed to find true love a second time with Billy Ullrey. They were married in 1992 and spent 10 wonderful years together traveling, reading and exploring museums until Bill's death in 2002. She was a lifetime member of a Methodist church and has been a member of Westwood United Methodist Church for over 50 years serving as librarian, communion steward, teacher, Stephen Minister; was active in Early Eves and various committees; and completed the Emmaus Walk. She enjoyed reading, golfing, swimming, and gardening. But most of all she loved playing bridge and was active in multiple marathons with a variety of partners. She mentored many a bridge player over the years. In addition to Gordon and Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Marian Gillett. She is survived by her children; Steven (Donna) Brown, Paul Brown, and Susan Brown; four granddaughters, Heather, Megan, Debi and Caitlyn and eight great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service for Jean will be held on the 26th of August at 11:00 a.m. at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd. Family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Westwood United Methodist Church or the West Michigan Cancer Center.