Jean Thompson Joseph was born on July 21, 1954 in Newark, New Jersey to Charles and Dorothy Thompson. She was the eldest of five children. Jean was a bright child who, even at an early age, possessed a strong spirit and demonstrated love for her family and country. Her formative years were spent in Plainfield, New Jersey. She attended Plainfield public schools, graduating from Plainfield High School in 1972. During high school, her musical gifts showed in both her violin and piano artistry. From there, she attended Montclair University in Montclair New Jersey, majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in music therapy in 1976. We discovered that Jean was a lifelong learner, earning a Master’s of Christian Counseling from Christian Counseling University, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from LaSalle University. Lastly, she acquired her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC) from Stockton College. Jean was an ambitious young lady who joined the United States Navy in June of 1984 and earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander with an Honorable Discharge in 2004, after twenty years of service to her country. While in the Navy, Jean was awarded a Navy Commendation; 2 - Navy Achievement Medals; a Navy Unit Commendation Medal; and 2 - National Defense Service Medals, and proudly served in Desert Storm. Jean Thompson Joseph went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2020 after a strenuous give and take battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, the late Georgia Knight Thrower. Jean leaves to celebrate her life, legacy and memory Marcus Joseph, Son; Ava Joseph, Granddaughter; Skyla Joseph, Granddaughter; Charles and Dorothy Thompson, Parents; Charles and Carolyn Thompson, Brother/wife; Robert (Bobby) and Renée Thompson, Brother/wife; Cindy Thompson, Sister; David and Stacie Thompson, Brother/wife; and a host of nieces and nephews; spiritual family, friends and other loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 12 Noon at the Tilghman Funeral Home located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt, New Jersey 08533 with calling hours on Monday from 11:00 AM until Noon at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow in the BGWCD Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. The family is requesting that rather than send flowers, please donate in the name of Jean Joseph to the educational entity of your choice to assist those in need during these challenging “Covid” times. Social distancing and face covering are required, with a maximum of 25 people inside at time at the funeral home.