Jean grew up in Naples, Italy, New Orleans and the Carolinas.  She completed her education with an MFA  (Painting and Drawing) at James Madison University in Virginia.

Much of her career was spent as head of an Art Department at Caldewell Community College and Technical Institute and as Professor of Art History (UNC-C). She is known for her presentations on Art History.
 

Her art career has led her to Moscow, Russia as a set designer and she regularly returns to Italy, France and Ireland (often leading painting workshops).