Born on October 7, 1924, at the family farmhouse in Franklinville, she was one of seven children born to Reeves and Marie (Pederson) Wilson. On August 8, 1942, in Cuba, she married her soulmate Curtis Searl.

She grew up on a farm in Franklinville, and was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy of Franklinville Central School.

Soon after graduation she married Curtis Searl of Black Creek and became a wife, a farmer, and a mother to eight wonderful children. She always said she had a grand life, full of challenges that included working hard and lots of love fun and laughter. She had a great family and friends and was blessed to share life and happiness with all of them. Jean often repeated to friends and family that “She had a wonderful life”.

She is survived by her children; Curtis Searl, Jr., Black Creek, Beverly (Howard) Shute of Arizona, Patricia (Jeff) Francis, Black Creek, Phyllis (Charles) Imboden of Belfast, Donna (Steven) Raub of Cuba, Kathryn (Donald) Howard of Dalton, and Barry (Cynthia Truckenbrod) Searl of Cuba; a son-in-law Gordon Goossen; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter Janie Gossen and by her siblings Garrett, Bob, and Charles Wilson, Gladys Crowder, Helen Jewel, and Dorothy Byroads.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, New York 14727 from 1-3 P.M.

“Now my journey here is finished and I have gone to be with my Curt!!