Jean Carrigan

Jean Carrigan, age 91, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. She was born October 14, 1925, in Elkins, Ark., to Fannie and Ezra Carrigan. She was preceded in death by her brother, W.A. Carrigan, and three sisters, Irene Tillery, Millie Wentz, and Nell Greenquist. Jean retired from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fayetteville after 37 years as operating room supervisor and infection control nurse. Jean was the recipient of the prestigious Hands and Heart Award, presented by the administrator of the VA Hospital for "consistently providing emotional support, help, and guidance to patients far beyond the call of duty." Jean earned her RN degree from Charity Hospital in New Orleans, and her BSRN degree from St. Joseph's College of Maine. She also attended the University of Arkansas. Jean was an unparalleled supporter of the Razorbacks football and women's and men's basketball teams, holding season tickets and faithfully attending all games on campus, as well as tournaments and bowl games. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, and Washington Regional Medical Center, where she spent years as the surgical waiting room volunteer. After moving to BTV, she continued her volunteering by accompanying residents to medical appointments and taking tickets in the dining room. Jean assisted in the establishment and chartering of Sequoyah United Methodist Church and became the first member. She was always faithful to her church by her loyal attendance and her participation in whatever job needed to be done. Jean described herself as a Christian, a Methodist, an Arkansas Razorback, and a Democrat. Jean is survived by one sister, Rada Mae Carter, also of BTV; and by a host of nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly: Mike and Carol Tillery, Roy and Gwen Tillery, Elaina, Christian, William, Samuel, and Ayden, Elkins; Robert Wentz, Tuie and Lucy Wentz, Susan Wentz, Billy Wentz, Pat and Beth Wentz, Union, S.C.; Gerry and John McGowen, Tacoma, Wash.; John and Jenny McGowen, Jack and Will, Hinsdale, Ill.; Pam and Doug Wiewel, Kathryn and Daniel Williams, Quincy, Ill.; Jo and Steve Wilson, Norfork, Ark.; Stephanie and Paul Wilson-Scott, Rowe, Beck, and Sujina, Albuquerque, N.M.; Josh Wilson, Fayetteville; John Carter, Mooresville, N.C.; Jimmy Carter, Elkins; Jeanie and Dave Hammack, Jack, Henry and Sam Sallee, Elkins; Sandy Greenquist, St. Paul, Minn.; Hilary, Mira, and Cooper Caligiuri, Minneapolis, Minn.; Justice and Joanna Lindell, Viola and J. Oliver, Eagan, Minn.; Terry and Stephanie Greenquist, Dylan Greenquist, Avery and Dave Walsh, Virginia Beach, Va.; Taylor and Brittany Greenquist, Nashville, Tenn.; and many more great- and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; as well as her very special friends Frances Pelton and Hilda Turner. A service to celebrate Jean's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, in the Convocation Room at BTV, 1932 E. Joyce Blvd. in Fayetteville. The service will be led by Rev. Sara Pair of Sequoyah United Methodist Church. Memorials in Jean's honor may be made to Sequoyah United Methodist Church, 1910 N. Old Wire Rd., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703, or to Butterfield Trail Village Foundation (Birds and Wildlife Fund), 1932 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.