WILMINGTON — Jean Hopkins Bullock passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Franklin County on August 30, 1931, she graduated from Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh, where she met her beloved husband, John Bullock. In 1959, Jean and John moved to Wilmington, where they built both a family and a lasting legacy.
Together they contributed to the revitalization efforts of several landmark downtown properties, including The Cotton Exchange, Chandler’s Wharf Warehouse, and Front Street Centre. Jean had a keen designer’s eye and insisted on beautiful, period-appropriate renovations in every project they undertook.
Jean earned her degree in Elementary Education from UNC Wilmington and taught at Alderman Elementary before later teaching education courses at UNCW. She was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church and devoted more than twenty years of service to the Methodist Home for Children. She was also a longtime member and past vice-president of the Cape Fear Garden Club.
Jean was preceded in death by her treasured husband, John; her mother Nell Brantley Hopkins; and her sister, Joyce Gentry.
She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Bullock (Bruce) and Cheryl Bullock Hartsoe; her grandchildren, Wes (Nicki) and Miller Hartsoe; her precious great-granddaughter, Nell Hartsoe, her mother’s namesake; her nephew, John Gentry (Diane), and their extended family; and many other loving relatives and friends.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by her dedicated team of caregivers.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 18th at 11:30am at Grace United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare or the Methodist Home for Children.
