Jean Hackett Gilford

Jean (Hackett) Guilford, age 96, of Sylva, NC, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on January 24, 1929, in Newark, NY, to George and Iona Hackett, she was the oldest of six children. She spent her early childhood in Ceres, PA before moving to Friendship, NY, in the fifth grade. There, she graduated from high school, married her husband, Claude Guilford, and they raised their three children. In 1967, they moved to Lumberton, NC, where she remained until 1996, when she moved to Sylva, NC, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Jean was a devoted Christian, church member, piano player, music lover, avid square dancer (along with her husband), and beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her sense of humor, selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that will live on in those of us lucky enough to have known her.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Claude Guilford; her brothers, Teddy, Sam, Henry, and Bill Hackett; and her sister, Donna Ornt.

She is survived by her children, Roxie Mills, Dean Guilford, and Dr. Donald Guilford (Gayle); grandchildren Michael Jaeger (Deidre), Teri Hanson (Cary), James Jaeger, Quiana Easley (Alan), Vanessa Tiger (Michael), and Cynthia Guilford (Cy); 13 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at First Presbyterian Church (46 Presbyterian Dr.) in Sylva, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church of Sylva (https://www.sylvapres.org/giving) or to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org).