Jeanne Threatt Hoffman was born on November 12, 1939, in Greenville, South Carolina, the daughter of Hines and Jeanne Threatt. She was raised alongside her sisters, Ann Dupuis of Dallas, Texas, and the late Rebecca Jane "Becky" Morgan of Abingdon, Virginia, and her brother, the late Sonny Threatt of Greenville, South Carolina. From an early age, "Baby Jeanne," as she was affectionately known by family, developed a deep appreciation for learning, community, and service, values that would define her life.

Jeanne graduated from Mars Hill College in 1960, where she discovered a lifelong love of history and ideas under the guidance of caring and influential professors such as Harley and Betty Jolley, Dr. Evelyn Underwood, and a young professor named Richard "Dick" Hoffman. That shared love of learning soon became a shared life. Jeanne and Dick married and began a journey that took them to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, to Chapel Hill, and ultimately back to Mars Hill, where they would spend their lives together as devoted members of the Madison County community, Mars Hill College, and Mars Hill Baptist Church.

As Dick went on to serve as Vice President and Academic Dean of Mars Hill College, Jeanne became a powerful advocate for women and families across the Appalachian region. She served as Director of the Council on Appalachian Women, a role that took her throughout the country speaking, organizing, and working to elevate the voices and opportunities of women in rural communities. Through this work, Jeanne became known as a thoughtful leader, an articulate advocate, and a compassionate listener. During this time, she strengthened both her efforts and her voice for women's rights and was an avid supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, firmly believing in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Jeanne later became a counselor at Madison High School, where she worked directly with young people and families, offering guidance, encouragement, and steady support. She then began a career in real estate, founding one of the first full service real estate companies in Madison County. Her entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to the local community helped shape the county's economic and civic life. Jeanne helped establish the first Chamber of Commerce in Madison County, served on many town, county and church boards, and was active regionally holding offices in the Better Business Bureau of Western North Carolina and the Asheville Board of Realtors. In each of these roles she was widely respected for her integrity, leadership, and success in business.

After Dick's passing in 1994, Jeanne, along with her sons Lee and Will and countless community partners, devoted herself to preserving a place that held deep meaning for their family and for Mars Hill. Through the Richard L. Hoffman Foundation, she played a central role in the acquisition and conservation of a 200-acre tract on Bailey Mountain in Mars Hill, which would become the Bailey Mountain Preserve. Jeanne believed deeply in the importance of stewardship, education, and public access to natural spaces. Today, Bailey Mountain stands as a lasting legacy, welcoming students, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts while preserving the beauty and ecological significance of the mountain for generations to come. The work she helped begin continues, a testament to her vision and perseverance.

Above all else, Jeanne's greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of two sons: Lee and his wife Rachel - children Sarah (Allen) and Tyler (Emma), and Will and his wife Carrie Lee - children Camille, Maya, and Ella. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren (Oaklee, Archer and Woodson) were truly the light of her life and affectionately referred to her as Gran; Gran-ola; Gran-alunie; Granny; and Tali-Gran.. Jeanne could often be found cheering at ballgames, attending parades, enjoying spontaneous lunch outings, library trips, delighting in the annual Nutcracker performance, and faithfully participating in the cherished back-to-school shopping tradition. She also began a tradition of taking each grandchild on a trip for their 14th birthday. These adventures included Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Texas and Hilton Head. Family trips to Hilton Head were especially dear to her, filled with laughter, togetherness, and memories she held close. Family and community meant everything to Jeanne, and her grandchildren were her world, right up until her very last days.

Jeanne also had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. For many years, she hosted a Christmas Eve gathering at her home that grew into a beloved annual tradition. Friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and newcomers alike were welcomed warmly, each invited to bring something to share and to gather around the kitchen and living room, sipping together from Jeanne's special punch bowl. The evening reflected who she was at her core: generous, inclusive, and deeply committed to community, believing that no one should ever feel alone, especially during the holidays.

Every person is a world, and Jeanne Hoffman's world was one filled with love, fierce advocacy, and purpose. Like everyone, she understood that there is a deep isolation within all people, including herself. Yet she chose connection. She chose engagement. She chose to be an active, present member of her community, giving her time, her voice, and her energy fully to the causes and people she believed in. Jeanne gave everything she had, and her world, rich with family, friends, justice, and learning, will continue to shape and inspire those who were fortunate enough to be part of it. Jeanne will be remembered for her intelligence, courage, warmth, and unwavering commitment to people and place. Her legacy lives on in her family, her community, the women she empowered, and the mountain she helped protect.

A memorial service will be held, Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Mars Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Richard L. Hoffman Foundation, P.O. Box 490, Mars Hill, NC 28754; to further the protection and conservation of Bailey Mountain through the purchase of the West Farm property. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000.00, thanks to an anonymous donor.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.