Jean Erickson

Jean Taylor Erickson, age 88, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home on August 24th, 2022 surrounded by loving family and friends.

Jean was born in Laurel, Mississippi on March 18th, 1934, the fourth of six children.

Her passion for music began in childhood playing hymns and continued throughout life. She studied music and voice at Jones Community College and William Carey College then attained her teaching credentials at the University of Wisconsin. As a student, she participated in opera, music theatre, choir and marching band.

Later she taught and coached women’s basketball at the community college in Ellisville.

In 1958 she married Allen M. Erickson and within a few years welcomed a son.  She was the choir director at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, an accompanist, soloist and music teacher.

Jean was the music teacher at Gompers Elementary, the choir director at Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee, and took a break to serve in the office of State Senator Joe Leean at the Capitol. She then returned to teaching music at Orchard Ridge Elementary School in Madison and was a member of the Bethel Series music group, the Unkalung Choir.

Retiring in 1994, Jean moved to Ocean Springs on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. There, she enjoyed spending time with her extended family and participating in church music. She returned to Madison in 2006.

Jean enjoyed traveling with family, serving as a member of the Friendship Force, and participating in church, community band and choral tours. She visited numerous states in the U.S. and European countries, including her beloved Scotland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Her family would like to thank the UW Health Home based primary care team, the Fresenius Kidney Clinic, Agrace Hospice Care, and especially Miriam Jacobson and Denise Cheremy, who helped care for Jean at home during her final year.

Jean was preceded in death by parents William Wallace and Annie Berdelle Taylor, and siblings Beatrice and Noxie Taylor. She is survived by a son Charles “Chuck” Allen Erickson, siblings Berdelle Taylor Campbell, Gay Taylor O’Neil and Lynn Wallace (Maerease) Taylor.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, on Thursday, September 22nd with visitation beginning at 9:30am and a service at 11:00am followed by a reception in the Emmaus Room at Bethel. Jean’s ashes will be buried in the Taylor Family Cemetery outside Laurel, Mississippi.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Madison Symphony Orchestra Education Programs, c/o Casey Oelkers, 222 W. Washington Ave, #460, Madison, WI 53703, or First Presbyterian Church, 921 Ocean Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI