Jean LaFaye (Dreier) McMullin

Jean LaFaye (Dreier) McMullin, formerly of Bonne Terre, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 81 in Memphis, Tennessee, following a courageous three-week stay in the ICU surrounded by the love of her family. She resided in the Memphis area with her devoted husband of nearly 61 years, Dr. Richard McMullin, since 2001.

Jean was born on April 3, 1945, in Frankclay, Missouri to the late Pope and Norma Lee (Taylor) Dreier and was raised in Leadwood, Missouri, where she graduated from Leadwood High School. She continued her education at Flat River Junior College, Southeast Missouri State University (BS), Webster University (MA), and additional post graduate education.

Education was both Jean’s profession and devotion. She began her teaching career at North County R-1 High School before spending nearly three decades teaching vocational business courses at Mineral Area College. During her years there, she also directed a job training program that helped place many young women into administrative positions within medical and legal offices throughout the region. She believed deeply in the value of education, hard work, and independence, and she positively impacted countless students throughout her career.

Jean was known not only for her intelligence and professionalism, but also for her warmth, quick wit, style, and incredible sense of humor. She never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. She took joy in life’s simple pleasures, but also treasured traveling, music, dancing, entertaining, food, wine, and creating special memories with family and dear friends. Sweet beyond measure, she was also fiercely protective of the people she loved.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Richard McMullin, of Bartlett, Tennessee; her son, Taylor McMullin (Michelle Balousek) of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Jennifer Neiner (John Neiner) of Palm Beach, Florida; and her beloved granddaughter Morgan Neiner (Laura Thoms) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, along with cousins and many lifelong friends. Though hers was a relatively small family circle, Jean was unquestionably the heart and center. Her passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled.

Early in life, Jean was a member of the Leadwood Methodist Church, later a longtime member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Bonne Terre, and most recently attended Bartlett United Methodist Church in Tennessee.

Jean’s family asks that she be remembered not only for the battles she fought, but for the joy, strength, humor, love, and unwavering devotion she brought to the lives of those around her.

She will be missed beyond words and remembered always. Celebrations of Jean’s life will be held at receptions as follows:

• Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. - The University Club of Memphis - 1346 Central Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38104

• Sunday, June 28, 2026 - 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. - The Lodge at The Iron Knot - 7 Church Street, Bonne Terre, Missouri 63628. A brief graveside service and inurnment will follow at Bonne Terre Cemetery.

Friends may consider donations to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association, or a charity of their choice. If flowers are preferred, those may be directed to one of the celebration of life locations.