Jean Gandy Montrose

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Willie Jean “Jeannie” Montrose, affectionally know as Nanny to her family. She was a cherished wife, mother and grandmother. Jeannie, a pillar of strength and faith, went to be with the Lord at 2:27pm on May 21, 2025. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed at her home surrounded by her family.

Jeannie was born on September 16, 1945, in Oak Grove Community of Dillon, SC. Jeannie enjoyed a loving marriage, a healthy and prosperous life with her husband Robert (Bobby) Miller Montrose for 61 years.

Jeannie was born to Vernon and Willie Geneva Gandy. Her mother passed at her birth, and she was raised by her Uncle Barrel “Jack” Jones and Aunt Effie Calder Jones. She joined their family of twelve along with her three siblings. Jeannie learned at a young age the value of hard work and throughout her life she exemplified wisdom and discipline in every area of her life.

Jeannie graduated from Southside High School in 1964. After high school she began working at Southern Bell as a Telephone Operator. She met Bobby and the two were married shortly thereafter and lived in Florence. They built a beautiful life together and had two children. Jeannie worked for over 18 years as the Child Care Director at the Florence Baptist Temple. She later was employed for over 25 years by John McKee, DMD and Vicki Chung, DMD as a dental assistant until she retired.

She was well known for her passion of cooking, especially for her family and friends. Her chocolate and pound cake were always on the menu at her family gatherings. She took pride in her home and yards that she always kept immaculate. When time permitted, she often enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting at a pond and fishing. She fished up to several months before her illness would not allow her to continue.

She was a longtime member of Florence Baptist Temple and faithfully attended until the end for over 54 years. She taught in the children’s Sunday School Department for over 52 years and loved sharing the gospel with them. Being a faithful Christian, she never complained, and her faith never wavered. She was always serving in the background and never sought recognition for her many acts of kindness.

Jeannie is survived by her beloved husband Robert “Bobby” Montrose, son, Michael (Michelle) Montrose and her daughter Tammy (Chuck) Sterling; She was a nurturing and supportive grandmother to Luke Aaron Sterling, Jared Peter Sterling, Hannah Micaela Montrose, McKenzie Elizabeth Montrose, Mary Margaret Sterling and Madison-Grace Montrose; also surviving, one sister Frances Foxworth and two brothers Arron Gandy, Bobby Jones, and a half-brother Larry Cox. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, James Jones, Billy Jones, Edmond Jones, Velma Grady, Elizabeth Strickland, Gertrude Strickland, Navassa Chichester, Gevena Medley, Carrie Peth, Margaret Grady, Edna Jones and Katie Tolar.

Jeannie will be always known for her unwavering faith in her savior Jesus Christ, her gentle spirit, and her unconditional love. She was a woman of strong character and always willing to help others. Her legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, May 23, 2025, at Stoudenmire-Dowling. Services will be held at the Florence Baptist Temple on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Burial will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens immediately after services.

Memorials may be made to Frank Monroe Scholarship Fund, Florence Baptist Temple, 2308 South Irby St. Florence, S.C. 29505.

Please sign the guestbook for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com