Jean H. Small

Jean Harlow was born on November 18,1936 in Jersey City, NJ to her parents, the late Geneva and Frank James Speights. Jean was the oldest of six children. Sisters Pauline deceased, Josephine deceased, Lily Mae deceased, Fannie and Brother Harry.

Jean graduated from Lincoln High School and worked at the Tootsie Roll factory. She later became one of the first African American Telephone Operators for New Jersey Bell. She met and married Peter J. Small. When their daughter Angie was three years old, they moved to Boston, MA and they had three more daughters Jacqueline, Rhonda, and Regina.

Jean fostered several children and adopted Raesheena and Calvin deceased. Jean’s niece Tammy deceased and her three children Tony, Tuquan and Latrayah moved from New Jersey and became a part of Jean’s household.

Jean was a board member of the Commonwealth Tenants Association. Those board members sued the Boston Housing Authority for substandard conditions. They were successful in winning their case and received a multi-million-dollar settlement for a major gut rehabilitation and the right to hire a private management company. They were the first Tenant Association in the United States to achieve this feat. They won many awards and people traveled from across the country to meet with them.

Jean loved her family fiercely. We had fun, laughter, good food, family functions, and trips. She did not tolerate foolishness and would quickly put you in check. She had a tough exterior but one of the biggest hearts.

Jean is survived by her daughters: Angie, Jacqueline, Rhonda, Regina, and Raesheena, Sons in Law: Wesley, Jay, Ailton (Brown), and David. Grandchildren: Shakira, Lester, Armani, London, Skye, Shelby, Dallas, Nisha, Brianna, Amaya and Ezra, Nephews: Tony, Tuquan, Niece: Latrayah

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.