She was preceded in death by her life partner, Edwin Samples; fathers of her children, Triss Witt and Robert Lawson Goodfellow Sr., as well as her parents, Ethel Felicia Shumate Bird and Walter Riley Carr, and her siblings, Ross Dean Carr, Betty Sue Terry, Bobby Lue Smith, and Gloria June Nix.

The legacy she leaves behind is embodied by her loving daughter, Roberta Ann Casey, and by the memories she shared with her children who preceded her in passing: Russel “Scott” Witt, Robert Lawson Goodfellow Jr., and Elizabeth Jean Webb.

The branches of Jean’s family tree extend through her grandchildren, who continue to honor her spirit. She was predeceased by her son Russel “Scott” Witt, now survived by his wife Jonnie Hess and their children Brandon and Tiffany Stephens. Her son Robert’s legacy is celebrated by his children Greg, Corey, and Cassie Goodfellow. Her daughter Roberta Ann Casey and husband Bill Casey, parents to Robin Roberson and Joey Ward. Elizabeth Jean Webb’s memory is cherished by her husband Carl Leon Webb and their children Ryan, Jason, and Nichole Buersmeyer. Each of her ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and their respective families carry a piece of Jean’s heart and wisdom.

Jean’s passion for education was evident in her academic achievements, having earned a master’s degree in deaf education and a master’s in fine arts. Her love of art took her to the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO) and even to the University of Guanajuato, Mexico, for two years, at a time when few women pursued higher education. This foundation of learning and love for the arts fueled her remarkable career as an art and math teacher at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD), where she was recognized as the 1990 OSD Teacher of the Year.

Beyond her classroom, Jean’s influence reached far and wide as she endeavored to promote art education within the Deaf community. She coordinated art programs, organized festivals, and collaborated with state schools for the Deaf in the southern United States. Her contributions to national art education initiatives reflected her unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of her students and peers. She was a founding member of the Artists of the Arbuckles organization in Sulphur, which later honored her by naming the gallery the Jean Carr Gallery.

Jean found beauty and joy in everyday moments and simple pleasures. A gifted artist, she expressed her creativity through writing, painting, and clay work. Nature was her sanctuary, whether she was in her garden, listening to morning birdsongs, or enjoying the sun’s embrace. Winter evenings by the fireplace, with a book or a crossword and a piece of chocolate and a glass of wine, were moments of serene contentment for her.

A lover of words, Jean indulged in the literary world through her treasured books, crosswords, and the New Yorker magazine. Her sharp intellect shone in solving puzzles and playing a strategic game of dominoes, always accompanied by laughter and camaraderie. Jean’s time with her family and friends, especially her beloved Edwin, was where she found her greatest joy, understanding that the most precious gifts in life are found in the connections we make and the moments we share.

Jean’s life can best be described as one lived with loving gentleness and courageous spirit. Her influence as an educator, artist, and matriarch will resonate through the generations, and her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jean’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her legacy of love, creativity, and resilience will continue to inspire and guide us. She will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will remain an indelible part of the lives she touched.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at a come-and-go gathering on Saturday, March 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the banquet room at the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma. This will be a time to share stories, memories, and laughter as we honor the incredible woman she was.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to the Artists of the Arbuckles at the Jean Carr Gallery, located at 330 West Muskogee in Sulphur, OK. This is a cause that was dear to Jean’s heart.

We look forward to celebrating her life together and cherishing the legacy she leaves behind.