Jeanette “Jean” Elizabeth Ritch Lunsford Baird, 78, of Siler City died Thursday, September 5, 2019 at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill.
Jean was born in Cherokee County on May 15,1941, the daughter of James and Mamie Ruth Smith Ritch. Jean was a business owner, heavily involved in her community and charitable organizations. She was a member of Community Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served on several other committees. Jean was dedicated to her church and her family. They were the most important things in her life. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Geraldine Gibson.
She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jesse Baird; children, Jeannie Lee Duncan of Chester, VA, William Theodore Lunsford, Jr. and wife Angel of Hopewell, VA, Teresa Hill Clark and husband Eric of Siler City, Larry Wayne Baird of Siler City, and Jacquelyn K. Loyd of Siler City; sisters, Annie Ruth Deal of Blacksburg, SC and Jimmie Nell Williams of Marion, NC; grandchildren, David Duncan, Lisa Gerard (Justin), Jessica Duncan, Bud Jones, Angela Hill, Jewel Hill, Stephanie Smith, Jake Loyd and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler Cit
The funeral was held Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Community Baptist Church, 2575 Hamp Stone Road, Siler City with Rev. Mark Agan officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at: www.pughfuneralhome.com.