Mary Jeanette Dewell

June 10, 1929 - January 16, 2018

Mary Jeanette (Hill) Dewell, 88, of Cary, NC, passed away on Tuesday January 16, 2018. The daughter of Virgil Lee Hill and Katherine Castleman Hill, Jeanette was born in McEwen, TN, on June 10, 1929. Jeanette was preceded in death by her older brother Robert (Bobby) who died at the age of 5 from diphtheria, by her sister Dorothy Christine (Hill) Sharp, and by her brother William Areatha Hill. Jeanette is survived by her brothers Donald Edward Hill and Larry Wayne Hill, and by her three children: Donna Dewell Burnett with her husband Dave, Paul Robert Dewell with his wife Terri, and Keith Michael Dewell with his wife Rachel. Jeanette is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Jeanette’s life was characterized by service to others. She often said, “If you are happy, I am happy.” She dropped out of school to take care of her sister and brothers. She moved with her family from Kentucky to Indiana in the 1940’s. Throughout her life she worked a variety of jobs to help support her family. In 1958 she married Melvin Eugene Dewell with whom she had three children. She did all she could to make her house a beautiful home; with an enduring interest in interior decorating, she also reupholstered furniture. After her children were grown, she moved to North Carolina in the 1980’s to be closer to her children and help in the care of her grandchildren. Jeanette was intelligent and always loved learning. She enjoyed pursuing various interests including literature, psychology, and religion. A memorial service will be held 7:30pm Friday, January the 26th, at Sovereign Grace Church, 401 Upchurch St., Apex, NC. A reception will follow the service.