WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Jean Mae Van Velsor, 85, died Oct. 25, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice. She was born in Troy, New York, Feb. 22, 1931, to Harry and Mae Van Velsor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, John Van Moss Jr. and Gordon Hiscoe, her brother Harry Van Velsor of Wilmington and son, Trevor Van Moss, of Wrightsville Beach.
She was a 1949 graduate of Emma Willard School in Tory, N.Y., and a 1953 graduate of Dennison University in Granville, Ohio, where she majored in Sociology (and socializing).
After graduation she worked in Chicago at Childrens Memorial Hospital. She married John Van Moss and moved to Highland Park, Ill., where they raised their son Trev. During that time she became active in local politics and served on staff for several campaigns in the Chicago area.
In the mid 1970s, Jean moved to Wrightsville Beach and easily adapted to its casual lifestyle, beauty and politics. She served on Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory committee during the initial develop of the current park. She began and guided the “ Adopt A Soldier in Iraq” program for which she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.
Jean was secretary of the NC Jazz Festival for 20 years and manager of Sea Oats at Wrightsville Beach. She is survived by her three nieces, Tina Williamson (Ren), Pam Van Velsor (Kevin DuRocher) and Ginger Connett (Brad); her step daughter Patti Battle of Raleigh; five great nieces; two great nephews; and one great-great nephew and niece.
Her family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Mary Rudyk, the staff at Davis Rehab at Cambridge Village and Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 or New Hanover County Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
