Phyllis Jean (Wright) Abair, 92, of Plymouth, IN, passed away at her home in the company of loved ones on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Jean was born in Plymouth, where she lived her entire 92 years, to parents Edward and Edna (Miller) Wright on August 7, 1932. Jean married Robert Lee Abair on August 23, 1952. They shared 54 beautiful years of marriage before he passed away in 2006. Her love and admiration for him survived through her last moments.
Jean was a rock for her family. She was there for anyone who needed an example of what a simple life could provide. She never shied away from giving advice, welcomed or not. With the passing of her brothers and sisters, many of her nieces and nephews considered her their substitute grandmother. She spent countless hours watching several generations of the family’s children, guiding and teaching along the way. She loved them all dearly. She had a wry sense of humor and a quick wit. Few, if any, ever saw her shed a tear, but everyone received a laugh or a grin at just the right time. She was a pillar of strength but never hard-hearted. She was at the same time frugal and generous, not only with finance but with whatever assistance she could provide. She was an avid reader, a fan of old country music, a painter and a puzzle expert. She produced paintings for and with everyone, from her husband to her great-grandchildren, many of which hang in family homes today.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Abair; and her nine brothers and sisters: Hilda (James) Green; Audrey (Ed) Rush; Edna Pearl (Jerry) McCan; Patsy (Hal) Groninger; William Wright; Jimmie Wright; Eddie Wright; Larry Wright; and Roger Wright.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Rebecca and Scott Mear of Plymouth; her son, Ricky and Soomi Abair of Texas; three grandsons: Robert and Tara Mear of Tennessee; Ryan and Amanda Mear of Plymouth; and Nicholas and Paula Abair of Texas; three great-grandsons: Caleb and Autumn Mear; and Trey and Nikki Deshields both of Tennessee; Elliott Mear of Indiana; three sisters-in-law: Darlene Wright; Eileen Wright; and Phyllis Wright; along with many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home (300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN 46563).
Memorial donations may be made to the family to help with expenses for planting a tree in Jean’s honor.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Jean and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Abair family. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
