Portrait Project #20 / by Dave Hileman

This one bends the rules a bit but then I made the rules. I did meet Jean for the first time so, technically a stranger. However I met her in her home for dinner along with her family. They are dear friends of Jill. But back to Jean. She is a gem: sharp, witty, wise, beautiful and funny. Oh, and past the mid point of her 90’s. (The Sunday I met her was her 96th birthday.) She has a sparkle that rushes from her smile to your heart. She will reminisce with you, recalling details decades old about life in Flat Rock, or talk about the latest event or the UT basketball score. She still cooks but not as much as in years past, but when she does you are in for a treat. Ask me about her strawberry pie or the award winning lemon pie we had last week (her recipe, but her daughter-in-law, Marilyn, made this one). Perfect. She lives alone with a bit of help and more from her daughter and her son and daughter-in-law. They gather each Sunday for dinner along with a few friends, including Jill. So, I too was invited for the excellent meal and good conversation. A table made all the more lively with Jean at the head.