Jean Reeves Baird

Jean Baird, age 86, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2018.  She was born July 18, 1931 in Bessemer, AL to William M. and Jesse W. Reeves. She grew up in Bessemer and graduated from Bessemer High where she was a cheerleader and met the love of her life, Jim. They married in 1952 and moved to Auburn while Jim was in school. Jean was a secretary in the office of the Dean of Agriculture.

Jean was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She supported Jim’s career through many moves to several states while their daughters were young. They returned to Bessemer in 1964 living there until relocating to Jacksonville, FL in 1986. Upon retiring they moved to their beloved Auburn in 1997.

Jean was among the first women to be ordained as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, Bessemer where she also served as the head of the Kitchen Committee for many years and was involved in the Women of the Church. She was a member of First Presbyterian in Auburn where she joined the Women of the Church and Thursday night dinner committee.

Jean loved feeding birds and squirrels and watching hummingbirds at the feeder. She loved cheering for the Auburn Tigers and watching sports of all types.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Anne Baird (Bill Reese), Telford, TN; and Mary Katherine Baird, Auburn; three grandchildren, Megan Reese, Raleigh, NC; Jessica Reese, Louisville, KY; and Jason Reese (Greg Kershaw), New York, NY; and granddogs Fannie and Sally.  She is also survived by a sister, Ruth Metzer, Seattle, WA; a nephew, Andrew T. Baird (Rebecca) and children, Davis and Lindsey, Auburn; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members. In addition to her parents and husband of 59 years, she was predeceased by her brother Billy, two sisters, Mary and Margaret, and niece, Lorraine Baird Hunt.

A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn; officiated by Rev. Kathy Wolfe Reed and Rev. Nick Reed.  Following the service, a reception will be held in Conway Hall. It was Jean’s wish to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be given to First Presbyterian Church of Auburn or the James J. Baird, Jr. and Jean R. Baird Endowed Memorial Scholarship at Auburn University. Checks should be payable to the Auburn University Foundation earmarked for the scholarship. Mail to 317 S. College St., Auburn, AL 36849, Attn: Melissa Hage.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com