Jean Lorraine Duplessis

Jean Lorraine was born May 9, 1937 in Biloxi, Mississippi to the late Eugene Joseph
and Clothilde Ruby Smith. While she only spent a brief amount of time in Biloxi, her
demeanor embodied the warm hospitality synonymous with her southern roots.
In 1943, Jean moved from Biloxi to Detroit. In Detroit, she finished grade school and
later graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1957. Upon graduation from
high school, Jean worked at the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company.

Shortly after graduating high school Jean fell in love. On August 30,1958, Jean married
the love of her life, Emile J. Duplessis. Together, they had 5 children—Cheryl,
Jacqueline, Jeannette, Monica, and Phillip.

Her faith guided her entire life. She stayed active with Our Lady of Mercy throughout
each of her daughters’ time there. And, she was a devout member of Our Lady of
Fatima (now Our Mother of Perpetual Help).

Living life to the fullest was a source of joy for Jean. For her, this meant holiday feasts
filled with family, summer barbeques, and time spent with those she loved. Jean was a
wonderful cook and baker—well known for her tins of holiday cookies and sweet potato
pies. She loved to entertain and always had an open door.

Jean was an avid bowler—decorated with numerous trophies. And, through the years,
her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews all accompanied her at the bowling
lanes. Her hobbies went beyond bowling-- she was a talented seamstress, had the
greenest of thumbs in her garden, and her culinary skills were unmatched.

A great source of pride for Jean was her career at J.L. Hudsons. After raising her
children and ensuring they had everything they needed, she stepped into the role of
professionally helping people find the perfect items in their life. She served the
customers of J.L. Hudsons for over 20 years.

Jean loved to travel. Seeing the beauty of the world with those she loved brought her
great joy. Her travels took her to the streets of Europe and the markets of Morocco.
And, her love of travel and fondness for her family, brought about countless road trips in
her life.

Jean was the beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. A
signature accessory of Jean’s was her gold necklace with a silhouette of each
grandchild. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest prides and pleasures.
Jean’s life was a rich one-- one filled with love. On August 23, 2021 Jean passed from
this life into eternal life. She leaves wonderful memories with her husband, Emile,
children: Cheryl (Hugh) Haithco-Johnson, Jacqueline (Frank) Battle, Jeannette (Melvin)
Cloud, Phillip Duplessis, brothers: Marshall Smith, Elma Smith, Richard (Alicia) Smith,
Melvin (Karon) Smith, grandchildren: Danielle Haithco and William (Pameris) Haithco,
Kristen and Donovan Cloud, Melanie (Jordan) Bushrod, Sydney and Marissa Battle,
Cameron, Kyle and Mackenzi Duplessis, great-grandson Karter Williams, sister-in-laws:
Florine Anderson, Veronica Cunningham; nieces, nephews and other relatives and
many friends across the country.

Jean is predeceased by her daughter, Monica A. Duplessis and brother Joseph A.
Smith.