Jean Willey of Laurel passed away on May 3, 2024 at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes, surrounded by her loving family. Emma was born on July 23, 1934, to the late Ralph Henry Bounds and Madelyn Dykes. After graduating, she studied cosmetology and earned her owner/operators license which she has kept current to this day. Jean was retired from the E. I. DuPont Company as an inspector and had over 35 years of service. 

She was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and was dedicated to taking care of her family; for she truly enjoyed keeping an immaculate home, cooking delicious meals, and hosting dinners at her home. Jean and her late husband Jim loved to travel. Some of their favorite places to visit were the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to see their favorite country artists and enjoying the beaches in Dayton and Miami Beach, Florida. She was a member of Shiloh Community Church in Laurel. 

Jean is survived by her son, James “Jimmy” Willey, Jr. and his wife Chrystal; grandchildren, Jared Willey, Joshua Willey and his wife Melanie; great-grandchildren, Jett Willey and Owen Willey; several nieces and nephews also survive her. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, James Layton Willey, Sr.; and her brother, Henry Bounds.

 A visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 11 at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Reverend Mark Erskine will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.