of Chelsea, Michigan (formerly  South Carolina), passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Arbor Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Spring Arbor, Michigan.

Jean was born October 26, 1934 in Sumter, South Carolina, the daughter of Johnny and Ruby Walton and was one of six children. She married Lawrence Garrett “Gary” Minnick on July 28, 1950 and they raised three sons, Michael of Myrtle Beach, SC, Patrick (Lori) of Chelsea, MI, and Daniel (Miki) of Aliso Viejo, CA.

For many years Jean and Gary were owners of Columbus Inn, a hotel on the beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Prior to settling in Myrtle Beach, they lived in Philadelphia (PA), Charlotte (NC), Wilmington (DE), Camden (NJ), Honolulu (HI), Baltimore (MD), and Sumter (SC). Over the years Jean supported the family income by waitressing, working as a beautician, owning a wig shop (GiGi’s Wig City) and into her retirement years enjoyed working (and shopping) at Cracker Barrel in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.  

Jean was a talented seamstress and Hairdresser, and loved reading and traveling.  She enjoyed recounting stories about their good times with friends like Roy Hamilton, Johnny Unitas, The Righteous Brothers, Bill Pellington and Bobby Boyd and they were very fortunate to have some very dear friends over the years.

Chelsea was a second home to Jean and driving through the city would say “I just love this beautiful town”.

Jean is survived by one brother, Johnny Mac Walton and a very special Brother-in-Law Tom Norris; her three sons; ten grandchildren, Matthew (Kim) Minnick, Cody Minnick, Lauren (Mark) Shanks, Jennifer (Jason) Collins, Katie Minnick (Luke Trembath),  Meghan (Donovan) Sneath, Michaela (Jason) Chappel, Logan Minnick, Mackenzie Minnick, Donovan Minnick; ten great grandchildren, Presley Minnick, Braden Minnick, McKayla Minnick, Landen Collins, Aiden Collins, Ethan Collins, Addelyn Collins, Veda Jean Sneath, Cooper Chappel and Kayla Chappel; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held with family in Sumter, South Carolina.