Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 29,2026

CHARLOTTE - Jean Harrington Wall died peacefully on September 29,2026 in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Lumberton, NC to JT & Melba Harrington, the eldest of 5 children. Jean graduated from Lumberton High School in 1960 and then in 1964 graduated from University of North Carolina majoring in French. 

That next summer, Jean traveled to France to continue her studies at the Institute de Touraine. Practically by chance, she met Dr. Pat Wall, a pediatrician who was serving there with the US Army. After only 6 weeks, they were engaged. Since Pat had 9 months of duty left, Jean came back to North Carolina and taught French at Parkton High School until Pat returned to the States two weeks before their wedding in Lumberton. 

After the wedding, they left to make their home in Memphis, TN where Pat began his long career as a professor and dean at University of Tennessee School of Medicine, and ultimately Chancellor of University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (UTHSC). Together, Jean and Pat raised two sons, David and Matthew, and made lifelong friends on Vance Avenue where they all resided. 

Jean was passionate about cooking, once cooking alongside her favorite chef Julia Child. She entertained easily and often helped Pat recruit faculty members by hosting them in their home. Jean was equally passionate about learning and traveling. She became an amazing travel agent specializing in European travel.

An avid reader and learner, Jean took many history and art courses at University of Memphis. She also loved crossword puzzles and music. Her favorite group was ABBA, and she attended at least five live shows of Mamma Mia.

Jean always supported her sons and their activities plus was an active member of many Memphis charities such as Junior League, Les Passees, and the Church Health Center. She was an active member at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, and later Second Presbyterian Church.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years Pat Wall, and her brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Bessie Harrington. She is survived by her two sons David (Amy) of Nashville, TN and Matthew (Rachel) of Charlotte, NC, her grandchildren--Madeline, Mary Harrington, Anna and Andrew Wall. Also surviving are her three loving sisters--Meg McLean, Dee Carr, Malinda Summey, and many special nieces and nephews.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Jean created special memories through her loyalty, hospitality, adventurous spirit, and deep love for others. She will be greatly missed. 

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be sent to Memory & Movement Charlotte (https://www.mmclt.org/) which expertly serves dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and their families in the Charlotte area, or to Church Health Center in Memphis (www.churchhealth.org), which provides comprehensive health care services for those in need. 

The Wall Family would also like to extend a sincere thank-you to the staff at The Sanctuary—Quail Hunt (www.sanctuarysenior.com) for taking such great care of Jean for the last several years.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.