Jean Mozelle Teall Tuten, aged 93, passed away on May 5, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia, after an extended illness.

Jean was born September 27, 1932 in Hong Kong, BCC. Her parents, who had previously met in Manila, Philippines, were Rita Rawls Teall of Savannah, and naval submarine officer Edward N. Teall, Jr. of New Jersey. Jean grew up as a proud “Navy brat,” living in different parts of the world where her father was stationed – France, Hawaii, Colombia – with longer recurring stays in Annapolis, Maryland. Following the end of her first marriage in 1958, Jean moved with her three daughters to Savannah, where her parents had retired. There she began to work as a bank teller and in that role she first met Marvin Donald Tuten, whom she married in 1961.

Jean was a familiar face in the local business community through her dedicated work with Savannah Bank, C&S Bank, and the personnel department at Memorial Medical Center. She later worked for a time in real estate, but her most prominent role in the business community was as co-owner and manager of a Wicks ‘N’ Sticks franchise store in Oglethorpe Mall.

Her interests were as varied as her personality was memorable. Anyone who knew Jean could attest to her love of socializing and good parties. She was equally passionate about gardening and decorating. An avid animal lover and self-declared "cat lady," she found great joy caring for animals — both domestic and wild — at the home she and Don shared at Wild Heron. In later years she indulged her love of travel, journeying with Don to destinations near and far, including a memorable trip to Australia, a cross-country drive in Don's Corvette, and a 50th wedding anniversary cruise with all the children. Like many in her family, she was deeply interested in her heritage. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and took particular pride in her descent from Peter and Lucy Tondee — colonial Savannah tavernkeepers and key figures in the Sons of Liberty.

Jean will be remembered by all who knew her for her beauty, her graciousness, her quick wit, and (of course!) her singularly forceful personality.

An only child, Jean is survived by her loving husband of over 64 years, Marvin Donald Tuten, their children (including Jean Christie Anderson-Albertin, Susan Elizabeth Anderson-Boone, Marcia Kimberley Anderson-Lyons, and Donald Nelson Tuten), six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Jean will be cremated, with her ashes held at the family home. At this time no plans have been made for a funeral or memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.