Mrs. Jean Tribble McFerrin, 82, died peacefully at Harbor Chase Assisted Living in Aiken, SC on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 following an extended illness. Born on June 17, 1927 in Donalds, SC, Jean was the daughter of Lemuel Pierce Tribble and Annie Pettigrew Tribble. After her father's passing and the untimely death of her older brother Walter P. Tribble, Jean remained her mother's loving and devoted daughter. Jean graduated as valedictorian from Donalds High School in 1944, and then graduated magna cum laude in 1948 from Lander College in Greenwood, with a degree in commerce and mathematics. After graduation, she worked in several positions of responsibility in the Greenwood area, and ultimately had a long career as a legal secretary until retiring in 1989. When Jean married Cecil McFerrin in 1959, their love and devotion to each other truly lasted until their last breaths. Jean also assumed her role as a new mother wholeheartedly, and helped raise her stepchildren, Holly and Earl, as her own with constant love and encouragement. Throughout her professional years, Jean actively served in leadership roles for Professional Secretaries International chapters in Greenwood, Anderson, and Aiken. Her support of this group was remarkable as she was able to not only grow professionally but also be a mentor to others. Her PSI honors were numerous and were awarded to her locally, regionally, and nationally. During her working and retirement years, Jean remained intensely loyal to Lander University. She believed in the value of higher education, and worked tirelessly to promote, support, and serve that cause. Her work with the Lander Alumni Association, the Lander Foundation Board, and on the Lander Board of Trustees was not only rewarding to Jean, but she considered it a great privilege to serve with these groups. As a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Aiken since 1966, Jean loved to work with people and served on missions, finance, and education committees utilizing her many talents. She played piano for her Sunday school class, helped with countless church dinners & socials, and was actively involved with her women's circle group with many of her dearest friends. Jean's commitment to the Aiken community was evident in her willingness to give of her time and talents. She served in leadership roles for the Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center, Aiken County United Way, Family Counseling Center, Aiken Technical College, and the Community Concert Association. Throughout her life, Jean received many personal and professional accolades and distinctions. Even though she accepted and cherished these tributes, none were as important as her relationship with God. She was in every respect an honorable and godly woman. Jean was the loving wife of the late Cecil J. McFerrin. She was entirely devoted to her family, and is survived by her son Earl McFerrin and wife Susan of Concord NC, and her daughter Holly McFerrin Huber and husband Crist Huber of Dawsonville GA. Also surviving are her two dear grandchildren, Michael Huber and Morgan Huber, also of Dawsonville GA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 1:30pm at George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave. SW Aiken with Rev. George Howle officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the Jean T. McFerrin Scholarship at Lander University in Greenwood, and also to St. John's United Methodist Church in Aiken. The family would like to thank Dr. John Baxley and staff, of Aiken Family Physicians, as well as the staff of Harbor Chase Assisted Living of Aiken for their care and kindness. Special thanks also goes to Marla Rogers, RN, Janiece Driscoll and Cara Tanner, all affiliated with SouthernCare Hospice. Their knowledge, wisdom, and care truly made a difference.