Obituary
Jean Bohs passed away at age 92 in Durham, North Carolina. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of Samuel and Leona (Wilson) Story. She graduated from high school at the age of 16 and attended Purdue University, where she received a degree in Biology. When asked why she majored in Biology, she answered simply, “I just like being outside.” At Purdue she met her husband, William J. (Bill) Bohs, an Indiana native. They later moved to St. Louis, eventually settling in their long-term home in Moline Acres in north St. Louis County, no doubt selected in part for being adjacent to a creek and large woods filled with animals that Jean would eventually entice into the large backyard with tasty food. There they raised their two children, Lynn and Larry, as well as their beloved dog Tonja and a number of parakeets. Once her children were in school, Jean went back to Webster College and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. She became a librarian at Missouri School for the Blind and later a manager for the American Printing House for the Blind. Jean related that she was the first woman to wear a pants suit to work at Missouri School for the Blind after she got tired of dressing in skirts and stockings; after that, pants suits became common workplace attire for women.
Jean and Bill retired in 1992 and filled their time with sports, nature, and travel. They visited many states in the U.S. – including two trips to Alaska – as well as Africa, Australia, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Mexico, and New Zealand. During her retirement in St. Louis, Jean volunteered at an animal rehabilitation center, where she enjoyed tending to the animals she so loved seeing in the wild. In 1998, they moved to Durham where they enjoyed local hikes and backyard wildlife, and spending time with their grandchildren Hally and Liam. They trained local chipmunks to eat out of their hands, and at least one of these fortunate furry friends was known to come in the house for her peanut treats. Jean and Bill moved to an apartment in Croasdaile Village in Durham in 2018. Jean made many friends at Croasdaile, in particular the members of the “Friday Wine Group”.
Throughout her adult life Jean had a series of pet parakeets of various colors, all named Tiki. They all had the run of the house, and most could talk. Her most recent Tiki was the center of her universe, and Jean taught him to say many phrases such as Whatcha doin, Tiki bird, I love you, Hi Mom, Oh my goodness gracious and Good job (the last two were some of Jean’s favorites herself).
Jean is survived by her children Lynn of Salt Lake City, Utah and Larry, grandchildren Hally and Liam, and her beloved daughter in-law Libby Searles-Bohs, all of Durham. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Bill. Internment will be at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery in Cedar Grove, North Carolina.
Sincere thanks to Jean’s dear friends Mary Lou Smith and Rita Sorensen for many calls and visits during her final weeks, and for loving care provided by Raven Brooke Pettiford of Calming Hearts Home Health Care and Haley Cooper of Duke Hospice.
Jean had a clever wit and an enthusiastic spirit. She delighted in all creatures. She had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. She was a lover of life. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
If you would like to donate a gift in Jean’s honor, contributions can be made to conservation organizations such as Triangle Land Conservancy and the Eno River Association.
Internment will be at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery on October 11, 2024. Please contact the family at 919-382-9890 (voice only) for more information on the service.
