Jean Burriss Wattley

Jean Burriss Wattley, 103, died on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Presbyterian Community in Lexington, SC. She was born in Anderson, SC to Frank and Fannie Burriss on September 17, 1913. She was predeceased by her husband Philip A. Wattley, her son Philip A. Wattley Jr and her brother, Frank J. Burriss of Manning, SC. Jean was a graduate of Anderson Junior College in 1932. She married Philip A. Wattley on May 12, 1933 and moved to Chicago where they lived and raised their son Phil, Jr. At the age of 64, Jean (widowed) moved back to SC and became a resident of the Presbyterian Home in Summerville, SC. At her death, she was the oldest resident of the Presbyterian Home as well as the longest resident of the home (39 years). Jean lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed bird watching and traveling with a passion. Her love of birding started when she was in the third grade when she joined the Audubon Society. She was a member for longer than any person in history….95 years. Her love of birding took her to exotic places like Africa, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the Amazon rainforest in Peru. Known as the “Bird Lady”, she was recognized in the Audubon magazine Centennial Edition for her life and love of birding. Jean also loved spending time with her family in Manning, SC as well as Columbia, SC. For many years she would host the Burriss clan at the Grove Park Inn for Thanksgiving in Asheville, NC. The Burriss family members loved to go to Montreat, NC with the “Bird Lady” for special occasions and they shared many wonderful memories together in their mountain getaway. Her brother T. Moffatt Burriss of Columbia, SC survives Jean as well as nieces: Carolyn Burriss Coffey (Fin) of Manning, SC, Louisa Hay Burriss (Bob Toomey) of Montreat, NC and nephews: John Hay Burriss (Becca), Moffatt Burriss, Jr. (Suzanne), and Francis Burriss(Nancy) all of whom live in Chapin SC. In addition she is survived by many grand and great grandnieces and many grand and great grandnephews who dearly loved her. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Community Chapel at 700 DaVega Road. Lexington SC at 3 o’clock PM on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 . The Reverend Fran Bragen will be officiating. Memorials can be made to Medical Missions, PO Box 2745, West Columbia, SC 29171 or Presbyterian Community, 700 DaVega Drive, Lexington, SC 29063. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Jean Burriss Wattley

September 17, 1913 - October 27, 2016