Jean Denny Durchik

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Mrs. Jean Alexandria Durchik, age 81, will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Cookeville City Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Jean Denny Durchik, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and educator, was born on February 22, 1944, in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee. She passed away on Sunday September 28, 2025, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A proud lifelong resident of Putnam County, Jean devoted her professional life to nurturing young minds as a special education teacher at Jere Whitson Elementary School. Her career, which she cherished until her retirement in 2003, was marked by her unwavering commitment to her students. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Tennessee Tech University, embodying the values of learning and perseverance that she instilled in others.

Jean had an immense love of animals and connected with them in unique and special ways, she never met a creature that was afraid of her as if they knew she was safe and would protect them. Her cats were her pride and joy. Her spirit was reflected in her passions, which also included reading and bird watching-hobbies through which she found joy and solace in the beauty of nature and literature.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Tanya Lynn Workman, and her husband, Kevin; her cherished granddaughter, Kayla Gilmore; her dear brothers, Hugh Wayne Denny and his wife, Margie, and Paul "David" Denny; her beloved sister, Rebecca Judy; her beloved sister-in-law Kathy Denny; her cousins Renee Dougherty Binkley, Theresa McCormick, Debbie Reed Poland, Barbara Smith, Kenneth Carr, Ruth Carr, Gloria Wilson, and Marvin Trimm; her loving nieces Jennifer Duncan, Jannette Morris, Melinda Higgins, Susan Lazaro, Nicole Petrosky, Ashley Picone, and Rebecca Denny; and her devoted friend Kathy Davis. The warmth of her family was paramount in her life, and her legacy continues through them.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Denny and Helen L. Carr Denny, who had a profound influence on her life and values. The love they shared remains a testament to the bonds that shape us and the memories that keep us united.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flower, donate to the local animal shelter.

Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.