Jean Stockstill Hartfield

December 24, 2018

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, 2019, at the Crosby Arboretum Pinecote Pavilion in Picayune, MS in honor of Jean Stockstill Hartfield of Carriere, MS.

Jean Stockstill Hartfield passed away peacefully on Monday, December 24, 2018, at the Pearl River County Hospital in Poplarville, MS, at the age of 88.  Jean was a native of Pearl River County where she attended Union Elementary School, Picayune Junior and High Schools; and after many years of diligent work, she was the fourth individual to complete an extensive field of study earning Certification as a Field Archaeologist from the Arkansas Archaeological Society in 1981.  In fulfillment of certification requirements, she was published in the University of South Carolina, Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, Volumes in historical archaeology, 51.

She worked in concert with Mississippi professional archaeologists performing field surveys and archaeological excavations.  Jean was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Calvin Brown Award presented by the MS Association of Professional Archaeologists in recognition of service in aid of historic preservation in the State of Mississippi.  She also received annual awards from the MS Archaeological Association for having identified and recorded with the MS Department of Archives and History the largest number of archaeological sites within that time period.  In her honor, Jean’s comprehensive collection of archaeological artifacts and resource materials has been donated to the MS Department of Archives and History where it will be maintained as a permanent piece of Mississippi’s History.

Jean served as President of the MS Archaeological Association from 1990-1991. She headed the organization and served as long-time president of the Pearl River County Chapter of the Mississippi Archaeological Association.  She was also a member of the Arkansas Archaeology Society and the Louisiana Archaeology Association.  And her keen interest in history led her to join the Pearl River County Historical Society where she contributed extensive historical data.

She loved nature, was a botany enthusiast; and as a member of the Crosby Arboretum, she volunteered for many years and was instrumental in the identification, collection, and transplanting of native plants during its development.  As a member of First Baptist Church of Carriere, MS, Jean gathered and provided wild flower arrangements for the sanctuary for over 14 years.  She enjoyed classical music, creating art in multiple mediums, reading, and writing poetry and short stories.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas C. Hartfield; parents, James Andrew Stockstill and Annie Jane Weatherford; two daughters, Angel Cooper and Diana Willoughby; one grandson, Alexander Meadows; and three siblings, Dixie McDonald, Erin Berry, and Joe Weatherford.

She is survived by three daughters, Laura Guild of Gulfport, MS, Tommie Staten of Poplarville, MS, and Susan Meadows (Michael), Prairieville, LA; one son, Thomas C. “Rusty” Hartfield, Jr. (Eva); 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to: Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Rd., Picayune, MS 39466

The family of Jean Stockstill Hartfield would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to close friends and organizations who have generously donated their time, love, and resources during this time of sorrow.