Jean Eaton Weathers & Willis Pearce Weathers Sr

CONCORD- Fittingly, two people who spent their entire lives together now share their homegoing. Jean Eaton Weathers, 90, and Willis Pearce Weathers Sr., 92, who have known each other since age 5 and were married for 67 years, have passed three days apart.

Jean was born in Wake County on January 14, 1933 to William Attaway Eaton II and Eleanor Elizabeth Wilder Eaton. Willis was born in nearby Franklin County on August 24, 1931. He was the son of Robert Samuel Weathers Sr. and Mary Emma Pearce Weathers. They both grew up in Franklinton where they graduated from Franklinton High School. Willis was a member of Franklinton Lodge Number 123, Masonic order, for 65 years.

After high school, Jean went on to advance her passion for music at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where she received a BS in Music in 1955. While at ECU she also worked with the marching band and was a member of the Music Education Club, College Choir, College Orchestra, YWCA, and was the Music Department Reporter for the East Carolinian.

On June 27, 1956 Willis took Jean’s hand in marriage. A marriage that lasted 67 years, produced three children, and relocated many times. Following their marriage they moved to Goldsboro until 1969. They lived in Fayetteville until 1971. They lived in Burlington from 1971 to 1995.

Willis’ career spanned from 1955 to 1988 where he was employed with NCDMV as a Driver License Examiner, Hearing Officer, and then as a Hearing Officer supervisor for one-third of the state. He then became licensed to sell real estate in 1988 and worked for Rachel Vogler, Better Homes and Gardens in Burlington. Selling real estate gave him the opportunity to meet lots of people. He loved it! Willis joined the US Army National Guard at age 16 and served 13 years. He ended service as Master Sgt., 105 Medical Battalion.

Jean’s career was teaching music. She taught music in school for a period of time and especially enjoyed working with special needs children. She taught private music (piano, voice, organ) for 35 years in Goldsboro, Fayetteville, and Burlington. These years included teaching Mary, Dwanda, and Will. Her greatest joy was teaching piano to her grandchildren.

After retirement, Willis and Jean moved to Hilton Head Island, SC. Jean loved living there. Once grandchildren came along, they decided to move to the Charlotte area to be a part of their lives. They also joined McGill Baptist Church in Concord. They had been members at Grove Park Baptist Church in Burlington from 1971 to 1995.

Willis and Jean leave behind three children, Mary Weathers (Elizabeth), Dwanda Pearce, and Will Weathers (Susan) and nine grandchildren, Tori (Scott), Kennedy, Reese, Hannah, Grayson, Sanders, Carson, Quinn, and Colin. They also have three great grandchildren, Hayden, Hawkins, and Hunter.

A joint service will be he held at McGill Baptist Church 12:00 pm Saturday, January 20, with Rev. Steve Ayers officiating. A 10:00am graveside service at Carolina Memorial Park will preclude the services at the church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to McGill Baptist Church, Music Program, 5300 Poplar Tent Rd. Concord NC 28027.