Jean Ballentine Obituary

Jean Hill Ballentine Johns Island - Jean Hill Ballentine, 94, of Johns Island, South Carolina, passed away on December 2, 2022. Her graveside service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, December 7 in Bethany Cemetery, Charleston, SC. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. Jean was born in Darlington, SC, the only daughter of Albert Michael Hill and Alberta Clinkscales Hill. She became a very competitive person at an early age no doubt the result of trying to keep up with her two big brothers. At the University of South Carolina, she majored in Journalism and was the first female editor of The Gamecock. Her first job after graduation was at The Record in Columbia. While at USC, she met her future husband, Andrew W. "Red" Ballentine. They married in 1949. In 1950, they moved to Camden, SC, when Red was hired by the DuPont Company. While in Camden, they were founding members of St. Timothy's Lutheran church. In 1953, Red was transferred to Wilmington, DE, where Jean and Red raised their two sons, Andy and John, and were leaders at St. Stephens Lutheran Church. During her years in Wilmington, Jean was an outstanding amateur golfer. She earned a BS in Geology from the University of Delaware in 1975. She was also a travel agent for many years. They retired to Seabrook Island, SC in 1986 and were leaders at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Charleston. For many years, Jean volunteered at MUSC and at TriCounty Family Ministries. She was also active in South Carolina Lutheran Via de Cristo (Cursillo). Jean closely followed the PGA tour. She attended the Masters tournament each April for 50 years. She was a fan, especially, of the Carolina Gamecocks and the Philadelphia Phillies. Red died in 2006, and Jean moved to Franke at Seaside. There, she became an accomplished artist, enjoyed red wine, ping pong, her scooter, and frequent visits from her grand-dog, a golden retriever named Ace. Jean was a true contemplative; a proud introvert who understood and appreciated the value of silence. She could be blunt and was not afraid to share her opinions but fiercely loved her family, her friends and her Lord. Jean is survived by sons, Andy (Patty) of Williamsburg, VA, and John, of Johns Island, SC; four grandchildren and their spouses; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403 The family is appreciative of the extraordinary care provided by the staff at Franke at Seaside in Mt. Pleasant and by Roper Hospice of Charleston. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston