Jean Arthur Mann Taswell, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

 

Born in Selma, Alabama, on January 10, 1939 she lived a life defined by love, service and dedication to her faith, family and profession. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and proud great-grandmother whose presence brought warmth and strength to all who knew her. She became a member of the Saint James AME Zion Church shortly after moving to Goldsboro.

 

She was a gifted beautician who began her career in cosmetology shortly after high school and remained passionate about her craft throughout her life. Jean believed in lifelong learning and continually pursued advanced education and training to better serve her clients. Known for her “growing hands,” she had a remarkable gift for helping people look and feel their best. Her salon chair became a place of comfort, conversation, and friendship for countless individuals over the years.

 

Above all, Jean was devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Willie Frank Taswell Jr.; her children, Sheila Kay Chapman, Lisa (Chapman) Brown, and Shepard Noel Chapman Jr.; her stepchildren, Samuel Taswell, Willie Taswell III, Tyrone Taswell; her grandchildren, Stephan Paul Lynch, Felicia Nicole (Strong) Hercules, Noelle Aaliyah Chapman, and Shepard Nolan Chapman III; her great-grandchildren, Kaylyn Renee Lynch, Mia Rose Lynch, and Charlotte Mila Renee Hercules; her siblings, Jean Ethel (Mann) Hicks (Fraternal Twin), Gertha Dean (Mann) Tompson, Katherine Schenell (Mann) Parker , Cleophus Mann, Donald George Mann, Clarence Earl Mann, Jacqueline Deloris Mann, and Valarie Arnita (Mann) Powe; and a host of relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon Mann and Necie Marzette Mann, her sisters, Ray Mathews Mann, Francis Ruth (Mann) Sprull and her brother, Leon Mann Jr. and her nephews, Leon Mann III and Brian Mansfield Mann, Sr.

 

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, perseverance and grace. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught, the love she shared and the example she set through a life well lived.

 

Though she will be deeply missed, her love and influence, quick wit and sharp tongue will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

 

“Her hands touched many lives, but her heart touched even more.”

 

Viewing will be held Monday, June 22, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at The Lords Table in Goldsboro. Interment will follow at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

 

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.