Carolyn "Jean" Hale (nee: Cox)

Carolyn "Jean" Hale (née Cox), 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Legacy Living in Union, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family. Her life was marked by deep dedication to her family, her community, and the education of young minds.

Jean devoted 32 years of her life as an elementary school teacher within Fayette County Schools, imparting knowledge and kindness to generations of children at Yates Elementary in Lexington, Kentucky. Her commitment to education was further demonstrated through her active membership in the Kentucky Education Association, underscoring her passion for nurturing learning environments and supporting her fellow educators.

Beyond her professional life, Jean was known for her warm and welcoming nature. She embraced every opportunity to share time with friends and family, engaging wholeheartedly in activities and creating lasting memories. Jean particularly enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, lively Bunko games with her friends, gardening, and participating in the Sunday School Ladies Group. Her faith was a cornerstone, as she was a devoted member of Southland Christian Church and Tates Creek Christian Church, both in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jean’s proudest accomplishment was her family. She shared 49 years of marriage with her husband, Daniel Hale. Together, they raised two children: Steve (Belinda) Meyers and Lisa (Hane) Webb. She was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren—Ashley (Todd) Strotman, Chris (Kristen) Meyers, Ryan Healy, Whitney Dixon, Ashley (Dr. Michael) Kasten, Dustin (Christina) Webb; and 17 great-grandchildren. Jean also leaves behind her sister, Grace Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford Cox (1992) and Mabel Cox (2002), her brother-in-law, Ronald Jones (2023) and niece Andrea Jones Wells (2024).

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at 11:00 AM, all at Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home, 316 Elm Street, Ludlow, Kentucky 41016.

Interment is in Highland Cemetery, 2167 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, 41017.

Jean’s life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and love. Her legacy lives on through those she touched personally and professionally. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were privileged to know her.