Wilma Jean Thompson Estep, 94, of Loyall went to her heavenly home at 8:22 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at her residence with her son and daughter by her side. She was born on March 10, 1930, in Loyall. Jean was the daughter of the late Eva Katherine McGeorge Thompson and the late Gillus Carter Thompson, originally from Laurel Hill in Bell County and later residents of Harlan County. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who dearly loved her family with all of her heart.

Jean was a graduate of Loyall High School in 1948 and upon her graduation she attended Union College in 1949 and 1950 to complete a two-year business degree. She was also a lifelong member of the First Pentecostal Church of Loyall, where she served as Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, and piano player; she will be remembered as a prayer warrior for she lived a life of prayer.

She worked several jobs after completing her business degree; she worked as a bookkeeper for WHLN and WCPM Radio in Cumberland. Then in 1950 she married Jack Estep, they had a beautiful double ring ceremony with her sister, June. It was a big event for Loyall and made the headlines in the newspaper. Jack worked with L&N Railroad but was soon laid off, not being able to find work Jack joined the Army and Jean became an Army wife, and soon found herself taking two small children across the ocean to France where she stayed for a year before returning to the States. He served his country for 20 years with two terms in Vietnam. Jean served as treasurer for the city of Loyall for four years, she also worked at J & J Newberry's, Wainscott Studio, Bell Grocery in Baxter, Cumberland Motor Freight, and McDuffee Motor Freight as a bookkeeper. Her last job was at Harlan Farmers Supply for 17 years alongside with her loving sister, June "Junebug" Kelly as a bookkeeper. After retirement she enjoyed her life with her family.

Beside her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Estep; sister, June T. Thompson Kelly; brother, Troy Thompson and wife, Jean; nephew, H. Eugene Kelly; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva Marcum Estep and Roscoe Estep; great-granddaughter, Arianna Lee Estep; brothers-in-law, Gene Estep, James Selvey, and Herbert Kelly.

Jean is survived by her son, Jack Bruce Estep and wife, Cathy; her daughter, Susan Estep, all of Loyall; a sister, Jo T. Felty and husband, Kent; nephews, Bill Kent Felty John Felty, Mike Selvey and Mike Kelly and wife, Terri; and niece, Kathy Celeski, all of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Vivian Selvey; nieces, Robin Selvey, Margaret Estep, Lisa Estep and Kavin Estep; Maren Thompson and sons, Gage and Devin Hopkins.

Also surviving are four grandchildren, Timothy Lee Estep and wife, Tori, Dayhoit; Crystal Estep Patrick and husband, Bill, Lawrenceburg, KY; Jonathan David Estep and wife, April, Elcomb; Katlyn Rebecca Estep Williams and husband, Andrew, Harlan; and one step-granddaughter, Tara Brittany, Harrogate, TN; seven great-grandchildren, Ariel Estep, Bryson Estep and fiance', Selena; Paige Estep Overton and husband, Dillion; Ava Grace Pickett, Dawson Estep, Makenna Kate Williams and Macie Williams; and two great-great-granddaughters, Emma Overton and Brylee Estep.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, in the chapel of the Loyall Funeral Home with funeral services starting at 7 p.m. with the Reverend Arnold Hammons officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Loyall Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Wilma Jean Estep.