Jean was brought up in Worthing. Her father had served in the army and inspired her to join the armed forces.

In 1953, Jean joined the Royal Navy after turning 21. Her father had initially refused to let her go but her mother convinced him otherwise and Jean went on to train as an aircraft mechanic. Women were not allowed to serve at sea then, so Jean served ashore at RNAS Anthorn in Cumbria, RNAS Lossiemouth in Scotland, and RNAS Saint Merryn in Cornwall. She enjoyed the camaraderie and made lots of friends during her time with the Navy.

After service, Jean married and became a housewife, raising two daughters and a son. One of her daughters, Carol, went on to take after her mother and served in the Royal Navy.

In 1995, Jean started volunteering at Broughton House, becoming friends with former Broughton House Chief Executive, Colonel Donald Gibbs. Her fondest memories as a volunteer were when she supported residents on their caravan holidays to places such as Blackpool.