Marjorie Jean Gunter Hylander, affectionately known as Jean, of Lorman, Mississippi, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She was 96 years young.
Jean was born to Otis Revere and Mary Annis Gunter on November 8, 1927, in Oxford, Mississippi. After graduating from Grenada High School in 1945, she attended Mississippi State College for Women. She then returned home to work for the Army Corps of Engineers and purchased a lot for her parents in Grenada, where they built their first home. "Nana's house," as it came to be known, remains a cherished family gathering place to this day.
In 1950, Jean met Lieutenant Walter Raymond Hylander, Jr. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They married on March 9, 1951, and went on to have two children, Walter Raymond Hylander III and Joyce Elizabeth Hylander. Jean created a beautiful home for her family in more than 20 different locations throughout the USA and Europe. She was recognized by the military for her outstanding achievements in London, England; Munich, Germany; and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Jean was particularly skilled at making young Army wives feel welcome in new and unfamiliar places.
After Walt's retirement from the Army, he and Jean found their dream home—an authentic antebellum mansion in Lorman, Mississippi. Together, they restored and decorated Rosswood Plantation, transforming it into a showplace of the Old South. It became a popular tourist attraction, a premier bed and breakfast inn, and a thriving Christmas tree farm, visited by thousands over the years. Their favorite saying was, “The world is a banquet, and we are still at the table.” The family prayer, penned by John Wesley, reflects their deep faith: “Be present at our table Lord, Be here and everywhere adored, These people bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee.” We are confident that Walt and Jean are together once again, enjoying the banquet in paradise.
Jean’s deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life. She was incredibly loyal, generous, and kind to her family. Full of life, people were naturally drawn to her warm and friendly nature. At Rosswood, her gracious hospitality made guests feel welcomed, with many returning year after year. Jean’s hospitality came naturally after many years of entertaining during Walt’s Army career, and she loved sharing her home with others.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt Hylander; her parents, Otis and Annis Gunter; and her sister, Mary Gunter Benoist. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Gunter Geeslin and Patricia Gunter Adkins (Jerry); her children, Ray Hylander of Jackson, Mississippi, and Joy Hylander Boswell (Curt) of Fairhope, Alabama; grandchildren, Alyssa Hylander Petty (Justin), Hayley Hylander Miller (Sam), Hannale Hylander, and Haaken Hylander Boswell; and great-grandchildren, Joyce Katherine Petty, Carswell Lamar Petty, Madelyn Ann Miller, and Adeline Jean Hylander.
Fondly known as Playmama, Jean adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their regular visits, letters, and telephone calls enriched her life until the very end.
The family will celebrate Jean’s life in a private service at Rosswood on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
