Jean Sexsmith
Taylor Scott
9/16/1937 ~ 5/25/2010
Jean Taylor Scott passed peacefully into the next life on May 25, 2010, after a valiant battle with cancer. Jean grew up in Minden and Las Vegas, Nevada with her sisters Barbara and Donna, whom she adored and looked up to throughout her life. After graduating from Las Vegas High School, Jean attended Brigham Young University where she met and married Sam Taylor, Jr. in 1959. Jean and Sam spent a year in New York before settling in Van Nuys, California where they began raising their four young sons. On April 1, 1969, Jean's world was turned upside down when her beloved husband Sam was killed in a car accident. She earned her master's degree in 1976, moved her family to Highland, Utah and taught English at American Fork High School for eight years. Jean then worked at BYU for 14 years in various administrative positions within the Office of Student Life. During this time Jean earned her Ph.D. and culminated her service to BYU as the first Coordinator of the university's newly-created Women's Services and Resources Office.
Jean was a lifelong member of the LDS church, faithfully serving in presidencies and as a teacher. After marrying David Scott in 1995 and retiring from BYU in 1998, Jean continued her life of tireless service to the Lord and her fellowmen by serving with David at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti, and multiple missions in Nepal and Mexico over a 10 year period.
It has been said that "happiness is a choice." Jean made that choice early and exemplified this principle throughout her entire life. The happiness Jean chose was forged in some of the most trying crucibles life has to offer. Her approach to happiness was simple: to see the best in all situations and in all people.
Jean's gift was that she raised both the altitude and the trajectory of the lives of those blessed to have known her; her profound impact will be felt forever in countless lives. She is a legend who leaves with us a legacy of devoted service to God and her fellowmen, undaunted perseverance, and the life-altering power of a positive attitude.
The family is very grateful for the excellent medical care Jean received from her longtime physician Dr. Philip Roberts, along with Dr. Gregory Litton and all of the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Center. Thanks also to the members of the Alpine 2nd Ward who provided Jean with so much love and support. Finally, thanks to the hospice nurses who were able to provide Jean with comfort and peace in her final hours.
Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Sam Taylor, Jr., her parents, and her granddaughter, Makaela Jean Taylor. She is survived by her second husband, David Scott; her sons and their wives, Sam and Stephanie, Tim and Janet, David and Lori, and Chris and Andrea Taylor; 14 grandchildren; and her sisters, Barbara (Bill) Taylor and Donna (David) Folkman.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N. 900 E., American Fork, UT 84003. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alpine North Stake Center, 1125 E. Alpine Blvd., Alpine, UT 84004. An additional viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will be at the Highland City Cemetery in Highland, UT.
Additional information can be found and condolences shared on Jean's memorial blog at jeanlovespooh.blogspot.com
In lieu of flowers, Jean requested that donations be made to the Humanitarian Aid Fund or the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.