Jean Blenman Ives, 81, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on May 11, 1944, in Petersburg, Virginia, Jean's life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, music, and style.

Gifted with an angelic voice, Jean was a celebrated soloist and a cherished member of Union Baptist Church in Hempstead, New York. Her dedication to the Senior Choir was matched by her service on several church auxiliaries, where she shared her time, talents, and unshakeable faith. Her music lifted spirits, offered comfort, and inspired devotion leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to hear her sing.

Jean attended Baruch College in New York City and went on to build an accomplished career on Wall Street as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of US Trust Company. Her professionalism, poise, and meticulous attention to detail earned her the respect of colleagues at every level of the firm.

Following decades of excellence in the financial sector, Jean dedicated herself to public service, serving the Village of Hempstead, New York, for more than 20 years as Special Assistant to Mayors James Garner and Wayne Hall. She retired in 2014. In this role, she became a vital link between the mayor's office and the community, acting as liaison to local clergy and working tirelessly to strengthen relationships across the village. There, she became a beloved and trusted figure advocating for the community with compassion, integrity, and grace.

Among her many accomplishments were organizing and leading the annual Memorial Day Parade and spearheading county-wide holiday initiatives, including collecting and distributing Christmas gifts and toys to children in need. Jean's dedication, leadership, and compassion left a lasting mark on Hempstead, where she was widely admired and beloved.

Jean was equally admired for her signature elegance and personal style never without her red lipstick and high heels. Her quiet confidence, warm spirit, and timeless grace left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Craig Blenman of Ridge, New York, and Tiana Ives Davis of Raleigh, North Carolina; her brother, Russell Taylor (Brenda) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; her brother-in-law, Bossie Martin (Carolyn) of Richmond, Virginia; her sister-in-law, Linda Taylor (Robert) of Richmond, Virginia; and her devoted grandchildren, Brianna Blenman, Bruce Davis III, Brooke Davis, Blake Davis, Bailey Davis, and Beau Davis. She is also remembered with love by a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, colleagues, and members of her church and the community. She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest L. Taylor, Sr. and Ruby W. Taylor; and siblings, Ernest L. Taylor, Jr. of Brooklyn, New York, Carolyn Martin of Richmond, Virginia, and Robert Taylor of Richmond, Virginia.

A memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 23, 2025,  at the Chapel of the J. M. Wilkerson  Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., eulogist.  Inurnment to follow in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.