Jean Vellenowith Carlton

Neva Jean Vellenoweth Forsythe Carlton passed on 7 Nov, surrounded by family after battling cancer.
 
Jean was born in Wheeling, WV on March 28th, 1942 and was 81 years old. Her parents were Ophir Vellenoweth and Neva Jean Vellenoweth Ralston (step-father Kenneth Ralston). Jean was a Cheerleader at Triadelphia High School in Wheeling where she was very active in various school clubs. She then attended Ohio University to receive a BA Degree in Psychology after marrying Dennis Forsythe. She gave birth to David in  Logan, Utah where she took classes at Utah State University, then her son Jim in St James Minnesota.  She then moved to Charleston, SC in 1969 and completed graduate work for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at the Citadel. She became a qualified Licensed School Psychologist. While at the Citadel she actively served as an officer in the Citadel Wives' Club where her gift of hospitality actively supported the overall efforts of the club and its members.
 
Jean then formed her own Educational Psychologist business and initially contracted with various South Carolina school districts, evaluating school children so that their special educational needs could be implemented. She took a special interest in each child which gave them confidence in their future as a student and as a valued human being. She was their cheerleader and their supporter. Later in her career Jean obtained in-school positions as a School Psychologist at Charlottesville, Virginia, Lexington School District Two in Columbia, SC, then at Dorchester School District Two here in Charleston. She made wonderful friends at these schools and supported their efforts to ensure the special educational needs of their students were met. These friends made the educational process a team effort. 
 
Always interested in The Arts, Jean became active in a multitude of art activities: art classes with noted Charleston artist John Doyle, and a class with Martha Graham (the Modern Dance Choreographer) for instance. She was heavily involved as a member of Charleston Symphony Orchestra League (CSOL) while directly supporting the Charleston Symphony by housing visiting musicians at her home, and providing delicious food to the musicians and CSOL members after performances at the Charleston Gaillard Auditorium. Everyone absolutely loved her catering. Additionally she supported Charleston Chamber Music in the same generous fashion at various Charleston South of Broad houses, and always enjoyed each year's Spoleto Festival. She loved them all, from Modern Dance to Beethoven, and strongly supported them all through donations, volunteering, and cheerleading each organization's efforts to provide Charleston's musical arts. Her many friends will sincerely miss her presence. 
 
Jean loved to travel, and made many overseas trips with her friends from St Phillip's Anglican Church here in Charleston --with trips to Israel, Italy and London topping her lists. It was during her trips to Israel she "found her singing voice" as she shared the beautiful countryside with her Christian friends, and became a supporting member of St. Phillip's Church Choir. She looked forward to each 10:30 church service at St. Phillip's and singing praise in God's name. Her most memorable trip was her wonderful trip to St. Paul's Cathedral in London with the St. Phillip's Choir in 2022. Being a devout Christian, and with the strong support of her friends, got Jean through her trying times during her bouts with cancer. She fought the good fight. And now she sings in the Lord's Choir. 
 
Jean leaves behind her husband Buck Carlton CAPT, USN (Ret), sons David Forsythe, MD (Dina) of Front Royal, Virginia and Jim Forsythe PhD (Alex) of Lusby, Maryland, and five grandchildren: Duncan Forsythe (Karen), lan Forsythe, and Logan Forsythe-all from Front Royal, VA; and Catherine Forsythe of Syracuse, NY and Connor, Forsythe of Goffstown, NH. In addition Jean is survived by her brother Jim Vellenoweth of Wind Ridge, PA and niece Holly Vellenoweth Zuck (Christopher) of Warrenton, VA.
 
There will be a musical Celebration of Life with Charleston Symphony Orchestra at St. Phillips Anglican Church 142 Church St, Charleston SC 29401, on Saturday Morning the 2nd of December at 11 AM. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Downtown chapel. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations to St Phillips Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401, or the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 480 East Bay St, Ste F Charleston, SC 29403, are recommended.