Jean was born into a naval family with her Great Grandfather being Ship’s Carpenter on HMS Warrior. She was born in Portsmouth 87 years ago. In 1933 the family moved to Waterlooville and Jean went to Purbrook Park School. It was a different age then, and she enjoyed a carefree and happy childhood and loved living in London Road on the edge of town.

Jean became a teacher after training during the war; she took her finals during an air-raid but was on the floor under a desk. Jean taught PE Education and Music and was very involved in the Portsmouth Schools Music Festival. In fact, Jean was a very talented lady, but in a quiet way. She loved acting, keeping fit, dancing, reading and was an excellent pianist. She was very kind, thoughtful and generous, she had a great sense of humour too and often saw the funny side of things, sometimes in a wicked way.

Jean never married but was very close to Ben Larcome and they became companions for 30 years. The Eagle stand in church is in his memory.

Underpinning her love for her family, her work, her hobbies, in fact her whole life, was her faith in Christ. She has been a member of St George’s Church family since 1933 making her, we believe, the person who has been here longest. She was involved with nativity plays, junior choir, pantomimes, Sunday School, but whatever she did, Jean had that glint in her eye, looking for the humour and praising the good. We will miss her at St George’s and our prayers are with those family and friends who mourn her.

Donations in Jean’s memory for The Air Ambulance (cheque only) may be sent c/o Edwards Funeral Directors, 13 St George’s Walk, Waterlooville, PO7 7TU.

Autumn Edition 2011

Jean Margaret Brice (1924-2011)