Jean Hemby Piner

May 14, 1932 - October 9, 2023
Jean Hemby Piner

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Jean Hemby Piner, 91, passed away at Novant Hospital on Monday, October 9th, while surrounded by her family.

She was born May 14, 1932, in Wilmington, NC to Christopher and Lena Hemby.

She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Michael Piner; children, Gurney Hufham and wife Joy, Kenneth Hufham and wife Debbie, David Hufham and wife Kathy, Mack Hufham and wife Debbie; stepchildren, Wendy Roscoe, Cindy Jones and Michael Piner; grandchildren, Jeffery Hufham and wife Melissa, Christopher Hufham and wife Kristin, Scott Hufham, David Hufham, Michael Hufham, Nicholas Hufham, Katy Hufham, Hanna Edwards and husband Matt Jackson Hufham, Logan Sowell, Erin Davis and husband, Chip; greatgrandchildren Devin Belcher and wife Avery, Lauren Carr and husband Seth, Forrest Hufham and James Edwards; great, great grandchildren Myla Belcher, Makena Belcher, Sloan Davis and Wells
Davis; and Goddaughter, Cyndi Jeffords Edmonds.

A graduate of New Hanover High School, UNC-W and ECU, Jean spent most of her career in education and rehab counseling including positions at UNC-W, CFCC and Mt. Olive University. She was the proud owner of Granny’s Infant Care and was fondly known as Granny Jean to many children in Wilmington.

Jean was a life-long member of Temple Baptist Church and she dearly loved her Temple family. She loved reading her Bible and enjoyed participating in Bible studies, ministering to the deaf and serving as a deacon. Jean was most happy spending time with her family and friends. Among her favorite pastimes were visiting her family in South Carolina, decorating and shopping for Christmas and spending time at the beach.

A memorial service will be held on November 12th at Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market St., Wilmington, NC, beginning with visitation at 2:00 PM and service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Temple Baptist Church.

Share memories and condolences by visiting the “Tribute Wall”.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • November 22, 2023
    Barbara (Branch) Smith says:
    Tonight, my heart is saddened to learn of Jean’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mike and to Jean’s Boys. Jean lifted me up when I was at UNC-W and shared family meals (and car repairs!). Talk about a strong Woman! We visited her and Mike this past August on our trip back to Wilmington and was in awe of the sharpness of her mind, her humor and most of all her care and devotion to Mike and his love for her. I’m not sure how much “rest” she will do in peace, as she never rested here on earth – Bless her, Bless Mike and Their Family.

  • November 12, 2023
    Henry Tootoo says:
    Your mother will be greatly missed! She always helped me and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to about my work or school!! I will never forget her kindness!! Sincerely, Henry Tootoo

  • November 10, 2023
    Wilma strawberry says:
    Condolences from the Strawberry family

  • November 06, 2023
    Georgia Spiliotis says:
    I worked with Jean in the early childhood program at CFCC. She and I became friends and I cherish those experiences we had that sometimes caused us to laugh and to get into more interesting experiences. She always said we were alike so we understood where the other was coming from. She had a big heart and loved all children. She had little patience for anyone that didn't appreciate children and helped them grown into giving and loving human beings. She touched the lives of many and they became a better person after that experience. May her memory be eternal.

  • October 30, 2023
    Robin Grover says:
    Hardly know where to begin to express how saddened we are at the loss of this most precious sole. My daughter, Lacy, was one of Granny Jean's original "seven angels", as she called them. She was a loving, dedicated, caregiver for the children whose parents, such as ourselves, had to be away at work. We feel so blessed that Jean and Mike Piner were in our lives. Our condolences to all the family as we know what a tremendous loss this is for them. God Bless you Jean. Your memory will live on in all of us.