Jean Johnson Nisbet

Jean Patton Johnson Nisbet, 96, of Sanford passed away on Wednesday February 16, 2022. A graveside service will be held Monday February 21, 2022 at 1pm at Buffalo Cemetery

Ms. Nisbet grew up in Watertown, Tennessee with her parents, a brother and 3 sisters, and she was valedictorian of her class and earned a Master’s degree in Religious Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Her first job was in Olivia, NC, where she served as Director of Religious Education at a small Presbyterian church. She rented a home from Bryant Johnson, a local realtor, and after their first date playing tennis, they fell in love and married.

After Bryant’s death, Jean married Jim Nisbet, who had been the pastor she worked with so many years before. Both continued to be active members of St. Luke UMC, and Jean worked for several years as an administrative assistant with Interstate Johnson-Lane in Sanford, now Normann Financial Group.

Jean was a mom who truly provided unconditional love and support to her family. She loved all sports, especially UNC Tar Heel basketball, and her television was usually tuned to the Tennis Channel and ACC Network. She loved to knit, play the piano, sing hymns, read, pray, exercise, eat ice cream, and watch the wildlife in her backyard. Though she was a private person, she clapped and smiled anytime she had a visitor, and she always thanked everyone for every small or large gesture.

She is survived by her children Lynn McCulloch (Steve), Bryant (“Pat”) Johnson, Julie Conder (Terry), Jo Ann Eskridge (Davis), 4 stepdaughters Nancy Nisbet, Alice Nisbet, Elizabeth Nisbet, and Mary Asbury; grandchildren Brad Lewis, Mark Lewis, Josh Conder, Katie Conder, Anna Johnson, Iliana Santillan; great grandchildren Elijah Lewis, Cora Lewis, Madison Conder, Gabriel Conder and Cameron Conder.

The family would like to especially thank the caregivers and doctors who provided loving care and Christ-like compassion for our mom over the last few years: Jo Ann Campbell, Teresa Baker, Ashley Maness, Selena Burt, Ginger Hoffman, Carthina Alston, Malisha Stepney, Betty Stroud, Dr. Robert McConville and Dr. Michael Gillespie.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Luke UMC Foundation or St. Luke UMC Prayer Shawl Group, 2916 Wicker St, Sanford, NC 27330, or the Buffalo Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1333 Carthage St, Sanford, NC 27330.