Jean "Jeanne" Brummal Nanney

Jean Petillo was born October 24, 1946 in Clinton, Kentucky and was the only child of parents Jean Brummal Petillo and Samuel Petillo. Jean passed away on August 27, 2026 in Fletcher, NC after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and declining health.

Jean grew up in Kentucky, New Jersey and North Carolina, and after completing her undergraduate degree in education at the University of Kentucky she obtained her master’s degree in education and social work from Duke University.

Throughout her varied career, Jean worked in the mental health field, always encouraging those she came in contact with to live their best lives and to find joy. She is especially remembered and beloved by those she worked with through Cancer Care and in particular the groups of women she helped lead and shepherd through their breast cancer treatment.

Jean reconnected with and married the love of her life, Louis W. Nanney, Jr. in 2008. Sadly, he passed away from pancreatic cancer shortly after their marriage. Even though brief, theirs was truly a special story.

Jean was a great friend, a good neighbor, enjoyed many forms of dancing, loved nature, and was the life of the party. She loved dogs and horses and had many faithful companions throughout her life. Left to cherish and remember her life are countless friends, neighbors, cousins and caregivers.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road.