Jearlyne Hargrove

Jearlyne (Jerry) Hargrove, 91, of Clanton, Alabama, passed away at home on January 26, 2026. Born on June 24, 1934, in Cherokee County, Alabama, she was the daughter John Roy Studdard and Gillie Acker Studdard.

Jearlyne was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of the Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a trusted friend and neighbor. She believed deeply in the power of prayer, the peace that comes from God, and the joy found in serving others. Her home was a place of welcome, laughter, and comfort.

After graduating from Chilton County High School, Jearlyne attended secretarial school in Birmingham. She worked at First National Bank in Clanton and later with the Soil Conservation Office.

Jearlyne enjoyed playing bridge with her friends in bridge club, playing the piano for her Sunday School class, and serving/worshipping with the United Methodist Women’s group at First United Methodist Church of Clanton. She faithfully read her Upper Room devotional each day, drawing strength and inspiration from its messages.

Jearlyne’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Dynan (Robert) of Yorktown, VA; son, John Owen (Lisa) of Clanton; stepdaughters, Maxine Douglas of Modesto CA and Vanessa Stufft (Jeff) of Olympia, WA; brother-in-law, Fred Thompson of Kalispell, MT; and sister-in-law, Carol Studdard of Jacksonville, FL. She was also a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Barney Buster Owen (d. 1969) and second husband, James Maxwell Hargrove (d. 2015). Their memories remained a guiding light in her life. She was also preceded in death by her parents and beloved siblings, James R. Studdard and Shelby Thompson.

Her legacy of love, strength, and compassion will live on in all who knew her. We rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace, embraced by her Savior, and surrounded by everlasting light.

A celebration of Jearlyne’s life will be held on February 23, 2 p.m., at First Methodist Church of Clanton, with Pastor Wes Kelley officiating. Following the service, guests are invited to a reception in her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association or American Heart Association.