Jean Smith Burrow

Jean Smith Burrow passed away peacefully at her home in Oxford, Mississippi on August 17, 2025. Jean was born on February 3, 1930 to Gossett and Helen Smith in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she grew up with her beloved brother Jerry Smith. After graduating from Lake Charles High School, Jean attended Louisiana State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in education.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Burrow, her brother Jerry Smith, daughter, Deborah LeJeune (Mike) and her son, Albert East IV. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Cindy O’Donnell (David) of Oxford, Mississippi; her grandchildren Jennifer Mooring (Michael) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chris LeJeune of Baton Rouge Louisiana, Courtney Ward (Mark) of Erwinville, Louisiana, Meyer Seligman Rosenbaum (Jerr) of Arlington, Virginia, and Drake Seligman of Oxford, Mississippi; and her great-grandchildren Mackenzie Ward, Jax Ward, and Oliver Rosenbaum.

Jean had a passion for travel, cooking, and gardening. With her passing, she leaves her family and friends with memories of a home filled with love, the aromas of a well-prepared meal, and the scents of flowers from her carefully cultivated garden. Her love, generosity, sharp sense of humor, green thumb, and her warm loving embraces will be missed.

The family also extends their love, deepest thanks and appreciation for Jean’s caregivers who were a constant and loving presence during Jean’s remaining years — Margaret Sullivan, Patrece Vaughn, Clara Pegues, Yvonne Finley, and Flora Boston. We are also grateful to the nurses of Gentiva Hospice for their care and support.

A funeral service will be held at Oxford University United Methodist Church at 2:30 pm, Thursday August 21, 2025, preceded by visitation at 1:30 pm in the Atrium.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Oxford University United Methodist Church.