Born January 28, 1920, in Manning, she was the daughter of Jacob and Wilhelmine (Brüggmann) Carstens. She graduated from Manning High School in 1938…the last surviving member of that class.

She passed peacefully with the help of Kaiser Hospice, San Francisco, California. Jean's family was there throughout the process. They plan to have a Celebration of Life later this year.

Although most of her friends have passed, she was quite popular and known for her kindness, accepting personality, energy, and of course endurance. She attributed her lifelong values from growing up in Manning.

Her determination, confidence, and spirit of adventure have been passed on to her family. Even though, she experienced various trials and tribulations of the "Greatest Generation," she often said that she had a" Wonderful Life."

Jean was married to John W. Williams and their daughter, Margie, preceded her in death (1952 - 2010).

Jean had a brother Harry Jacob Carstens and a sister Milda Dorothy (Carstens) Dethlefs.