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Jean Allen Carlson, 89, of Kinston, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

A private family service will be held.

Jean Allen Carlson was born to Rufus and Ethyl Allen on February 8, 1933, in Kinston, North Carolina. She grew up helping on the family farm, raising tobacco, corn, cotton and some livestock. She attended Southwood school and graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work in the Fall of 1955. In 1956, she married Alan Carlson, with whom she shared her life for more than 65 years. They raised four children.

Jean always loved helping others. She later returned to college to pursue a career in education. She taught school for more than 23 years. The family lived in Manteo, NC; Parkersburg, WV; Frankford, WV; and Kinston, NC. After Jean retired, she saw much of the world while traveling with her husband.

Throughout her life, she was a loyal and active member in the church, and her voice was a beloved part of the choir at Gordon Street Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening, boating, camping, baking, birdwatching, supporting her community, and, most of all, spending time with her family and friends. Jean was known for welcoming everyone with loving and open arms. The love she’s left remains and is great comfort to her family, extended family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Carlson; brother, Rufus “Buck” Allen Jr. (Hazel); children, Ellen Smith (Bill), Eric Carlson (Carole), Stephen Carlson (Leslie), and Paul Carlson (Patricia); grandchildren, Alida Smith Katzenberger (Rusty), Josh Smith, (Jen Jordan), Ben Smith (Alanna), Megan Smith Park (Aaron), Ross Carlson, Jenna Carlson, Kara Carlson (Sean), James Carlson; great grandchildren, Alex, Ainsley, Asher, Audrey, Avery, Arlin, Harrison, Emmitt; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by six siblings.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of sending flowers, please plant one to brighten someone’s day, or please give to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.

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