Jean K. Carson, 77, died May 19, 2007 at her home near Hillsboro.
Mrs. Carson was born September 24, 1929, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late Arthur Vincent Kessel and Mary Helen Hopkins Kessel. She was a 1952 graduate of Purdue University and a 1994 graduate of the Diocesan Deacons’ School of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. She married John G. Carson on February 1, 1951, and settled in Hillsboro in 1956 when her husband was named Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where he served for 35 years until his retirement in 1991.
During her half-century residence in Hillsboro, Mrs. Carson was active in a wide variety of community and service organizations. She served as a member and officer of the Highland District Hospital Women’s Auxiliary; Highland County Mental Health Association; Highland County Heart Branch of the American Heart Association; Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health Center; Highland County Health Planning Council; Highland County Domestic Violence Task Force; Towne Club; American Association of University Women, Hillsboro Area Branch; and Hillsboro Woman’s Club. She was also a member of the Highland County Human Relations Group, Scott House Committee, Highland County Historical Society, and Southern State Community College Foundation Board. She was instrumental in the founding of Samaritan Outreach Services, and served as chair of its Board of Trustees from 1988 through 1996.
Mrs. Carson served St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in a variety of capacities including Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer; founding parish librarian; teacher of Christian education for both children and adults; and as a member of the parish Altar Guild, Worship Committee, and Vestry (Board of Trustees). She frequently served as a delegate to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and served on the Diocese’s Committee on Sexism and Sexuality, Hunger Task Force, Episcopal Appalachian Ministries Committee, Clergy Family Project Committee, and the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Community Services Foundation.
Mrs. Carson was the recipient of numerous awards from organizations including the Central Ohio Heart Chapter, Seal of Ohio Girl Scout Council, Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health Center, Highland County Domestic Violence Task Force, Hillsboro City Council (Outstanding Citizen Award), Catholic Social Services of Southwest Ohio (Appalachian Service Award), and Episcopal Community Services Foundation. Other awards granted jointly with her husband included the Northwest Territory Bicentennial Spirit of ’87 Award; Paint Valley Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board Key of Gratitude Award; and Samaritan Outreach Services Good Samaritan Award. Mrs. Carson was named to the Highland County Women’s Hall of Fame in 1992 and to the American Association of University Women/Ohio Wall of Fame in 2000, and was listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Carson is survived by four children: James G. Carson of Chicago; Elizabeth Carson York of Westerville, David R. (Susan ) Carson of Cincinnati, and the Rev. Mary C. Carson (David Murphy) of Vermilion; one brother, John H. Kessel of Columbus; four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and three nephews.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 1 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Washington Court House; and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hillsboro. The Right Reverend Kenneth L. Price Jr. will officiate. The family will receive friends following services at the churches. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Samaritan Outreach Services of Highland County; the Southern State Community College Foundation; the Episcopal Community Services Foundation of the Diocese of Southern Ohio (Cincinnati); the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; or Hospice of Hope.
The Turner & Son Funeral
Home in Hillsboro is serving the family.
9024 Amona Dr. Affton, MO 63123
I grew up in the Hillsboro area and while I have not lived there since graduation in 1972, and my parents moved from there in 1985, I still have very fond remembrances of many of my friends and their families. I attended school with two of Mrs. Carson's children, Jim and Betsy, and I want to extend my condolences to them.
P.O. Box 284 Hillsboro, Oh 45133
John, Sue and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Jean was a wonderful giving person and great servant to our community. She will be missed by all. Please let me know if I can be of help to you in any way. Sincerely, John & Sue Hern
240 Fox Creek Road New Concord, OH 43762
Jean's name will always be synonymous with "outreach." Her life has made possible better lives for so many. We are proud to be among her many friends.
Dear John and family, Miles and health make being with you at this time an impossibility, but we are with you in love and spirit.