Remembering Jean Rosser Presley

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Jean Rosser Presley, born Jean Elizabeth Jones, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 79.

Jean was born on May 10, 1946, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Beth and Howard Jones, where she spent most of her life in the community she loved.

Early in her career, Jean owned her own real estate company and was actively involved in the real estate community. She served on the Board of Realtors and played an instrumental role in the development of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) program in the area.

Jean served as President of the Jackson Jaycettes and later President of the Vicksburg Jaycettes, contributing countless hours of volunteer service and leadership.

Jean and her husband, Gene, later owned and operated Velchoff’s Corner and Miller’s Still Lounge in Vicksburg. Her work in the restaurant industry earned Jean recognition as Mississippi Restaurateur of the Year, and she was featured twice in *Southern Living Magazine*. Following their success in the restaurant industry, they founded Southern Style Publications.

After turning their business over to their sons, Jean and Gene spent their final years enjoying time together at Eagle Lake. Following Gene’s passing, Jean moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to be closer to her beloved granddaughter and great-granddaughters.

Jean loved spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing bridge and had recently begun learning Mahjong. She especially treasured time with her “Greenie Girl” group—a group of women who graduated from Carr Central and Cooper High Schools and reconnected years later, regularly gathering to enjoy one another’s friendship. She was also passionate about P.E.O. International and was a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Gene Harris Presley, and daughter, Kelly Denise Presley.

She is survived by her children, Lauret Rosser Jarvis (Robert), Tryon Comstock Rosser (Missy), Mark Wayne Presley (Angie), Michael Bruce Presley (Melissa) and Kacy Gene Presley.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Madison Taylor Cochran, Gage Rosser, Weston Presley, Brayden Presley, Rob Jarvis and Alec Kitchens.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Camden Cochran and Calli Cochran, who brought her tremendous joy.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 27 at 12 noon, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tryon Rosser, Gage Rosser, Mark Presley, Michael Presley, Kacy Presley, Brayden Presly, Weston Presley, and Alec Kitchens.

Jean will be remembered for her strength, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and her deep love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and dedication that will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to P.E.O. International or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes that were dear to Jean’s heart.