Thelma Jean Brookins Tippett, age 96, was born on September 16, 1928, in Dover Township, Athens County, Ohio. She passed away peacefully at home in Grandview Heights, Franklin County, Ohio on December 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Louise Shafer Brookins; her father, Guy Milton Brookins; her husband, Neil Edward Tippett, with whom she was married for 54 years; and her son, David Edward Tippett. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Elizabeth Tippett; her grandchildren, Matthew Whitaker Tippett, Kenleigh Elisabeth Almeida and husband Carlos, and Nicholas Andrew Tippett and wife Lindsay; her great grandchildren, Winrie and Wesley Tippett, and Charleigh and Camille Almeida; her daughter-in-law, Linda Tippett Picard and husband Larry; and many loving relatives.

Thelma, who was known by Jean, was always encouraged to pursue education, having been instructed that, “they can never take that away from you.” Thus, to that end, she started her education in a one room schoolhouse in Chauncey, Ohio, graduating from the Chauncey Dover High School as Valedictorian of her class, going on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Ohio University, her Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and her PhD from The Ohio State University. Always involved in education, she taught primary school in Norwalk, Worthington, and Whitehall, Ohio, eventually moving into administrative roles in Whitehall City Schools. There, she became the liaison between The Ohio State University and the school district for the placement of Student Teachers and the Freshman Early Experience Program (FEEP) students. Her involvement with FEEP led her to teach in an adjunct capacity at The Ohio State University. Jean was also affiliated with the Ohio Department of Education. 

Later in her career, she played a critical role in the development of the C. Ray Williams Early Childhood Development Center within the Whitehall City School District. She established partnerships with Capital University, The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College education programs to bring educators of all levels to teach at the center. Throughout her career, she taught, inspired and mentored many students and educators. One of her colleagues, Toby Sanders, remarked that she “is an absolute master teacher. She teaches everyone – young children, community leaders, teachers, school board members, parents, teachers aides, custodians, cooks and college professors.”

Jean received numerous professional awards and honors, including the prestigious Irene Bandy Hedden Early Childhood Education Leadership Award from the Ohio Department of Education. Upon her retirement, she was honored by the Ohio House of Representatives for her initiative, integrity and expertise, her fine character, keen intellect, and decisive leadership. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. 

She was a hard-working individual who came from good pioneer stock. Her ancestors came over with John Winthrop to establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her Ohio ancestors contributed to the famed Coonskin Library. She died at home from old age, free from illnesses, having lived a good and productive life.

Special thanks to caregiver Lindsay Ballenger. Lindsay has been her caregiver for over six years. Her devoted companionship and care have been of priceless value. 

A private service will be held at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, 24 Morris Ave., Athens, OH 45701. She will be buried in the West Union Street Cemetery in Athens, Ohio. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

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