Jean Wills Hothem

Jean Wills Hothem, born June 20, 1948, at St Mary’s Hospital in Athens, GA. Jean left this world to go to Heaven on July 31, 2021, she will be forever in our hearts.

Preceded in death by mother Dorothy Mae Myrick Wills and father G Willie Jackson Wills, Jean is survived by her husband of 32 years, Arden L Hothem; her sisters, Carol Wills Aaron (deceased-Bobby) and Jackie Wills Johnson (Randy); and her brother James Allen Wills (Dianne)

5 nieces and nephews JT Johnson, Audrey Stell, Lorri Thompson, Chip Aaron, Jared Wills and her great nieces and nephews.

4 stepchildren Betsy Randall (Jeff), Kristy Arechaga, Andrew Hothem (Jennifer), Nancy Linkesh (Mark)

8 grandchildren Sydney Hammond, Micah Randall, Noah Randall, Sebastian Arechaga, Sabrina Arechaga, Steele Hothem, Harper Hothem, and Jack Hothem.

Married to Arden Luther Hothem of Gainesville, GA for 32 years.

Attended Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, graduating in 1970. First job was as a school nurse at Tallulah Falls Residential High School for 8 years

Jean loved to travel and was a first-rate planner of all kinds of events down to the last detail.  Jean didn’t want to be in the spot light – she hated to have her picture taken – but she was the powerhouse behind all events and happenings, always staying in the background.

Jean came from a family of excellent cooks who used cooking and food to show their love and as a conduit to time with loved ones.  Jean’s stellar talents in the kitchen put restaurant meals to shame.

Jean worked tirelessly in everything she did. She was an amazing caretaker. As a nurse she devoted her life to caring for her patients, getting special accreditation to qualify her to serve as a First Assist, one of the many roles she held during the 34 years she worked at Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery in Gainesville. She was an invaluable member of the practice in the operating room, as office manager and book keeper.  She was impressively thorough, holding both herself and others to a high standard.  Her outstanding work ethic and standard of care earned her the respect of colleagues, professional associates, and patients.

She gave generously to her family and friends in everything she did.

She will be forever loved by her husband, Arden. Together they traveled the world and enjoyed time with their family and close group of friends. She was gracious in taking on the four teenagers that came along with Arden and was an inspiring influence on them in countless ways. Every year she planned an incredible annual vacation for the extended Hothem family and friends. She will be missed for her great sense of humor, outstanding organizational skills, and unwavering support of those blessed to be loved by her.

Jean was incredibly smart and could beat most contestants on Jeopardy. Take time to honor her by savoring a meal, fellowship with loved ones or enjoying the sights and adventures that the world offers, whether in your own backyard, a state park, or parts unknown.

The Hothem family is very grateful to all those who loved Jean and went above and beyond to honor and cherish her.  A special thanks to Miss Sarah Mills for her loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to these charities that were important to Jean: Family Promise of Hall County- 3606 McEver Road Ext, Oakwood, GA
The ALS Association 5881 Glenridge Drive Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30328

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with interment to follow in Alta Vista Cemetery. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, August 2, 2021 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel.

Memorial Park Funeral Home North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Dr. is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

https://www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth