February 2018
Jean Pryor had two families, and she loved them both. She was connected to one family by blood, and to the other — Family Motor Coach Association — by a bond that spanned more than 40 years. Her children readily acknowledge that aside from her kin, FMCA was the most important thing in Jean’s life.
Jean Elizabeth Stewart Pryor, L12913, who battled health issues in recent years, died December 1, 2017, with her children by her side. She was 85. Survivors include her sons, Raymond Pryor III and Keith Pryor; daughter Caroline Slaughter; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son James.
Jean’s dedication to FMCA was reflected in the many posts she held. She served as national vice president, Northeast Area, from 1993 to 1997. Over the years she also served on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee (including committee chair in 1995); the Membership/Member Services Committee; the Nominating Committee (including committee chair from 1985-86); and the FMCA Review Council.
Jean was a member of 10 FMCA chapters. She was a charter member of the Metropolitan chapter, and served as its president from 1977 to 1981 and as its national director for many years. Jean hosted numerous rallies, wrote newsletters, and helped lead an FMCA group that makes quilts and donates them to needy children. She recruited more than 125 FMCA members.
“Jean was one of the most tireless workers for FMCA,” said Sheila Donigan, past national secretary and national senior vice president, whose first encounter with Jean at an FMCA convention led to a friendship that lasted more than 40 years. “She gave 150 percent on everything she did. Volunteer is not the word — advocate is better.”
“When it came to volunteering, she was always first in line,” said James Ballentine, FMCA national president from 1993 to 1995.
Jean was born in New York City in 1932. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilson College and a master’s degree in social work from the New School for Social Research, she worked as a supervisor for the Social Security Administration.
In 1959, she married Raymond Pryor Jr. They bought their first motorhome in 1973, and a year later they joined FMCA. When Raymond died in 1981, leaving Jean to raise the two youngest of their children, she kept her motorhome. She traveled with her children throughout the continental United States and to every Canadian province. In fact, until 2017 she continued to drive her motorhome, tow her car behind it, and perform basic RV maintenance duties.
After Raymond’s death, Jean became even more involved in FMCA, whose members were her extended family. “Jean was a good friend, and if she was your friend, you had a friend for life. She would do anything for you if she was able,” said Ginny McGrath, past national vice president, Great Lakes Area, who had planned to attend the March 2018 FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, with Jean.
During Jean’s many years on the Governing Board, she was not shy about making her viewpoints known. “Jean loved FMCA and always stood for and supported what she thought was best for the organization,” said Judy Czarsty, who was national president from 2010-2011.
“She always had the best interests of FMCA at heart,” said Ralph Marino, who was national vice president, Southeast Area, from 2011-2013.
FMCA’s Executive Board and Governing Board showed their gratitude to Jean at the August 2016 convention in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She received the Kenneth T. Scott Pipe Dreamer’s Award “. . . in appreciation for outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty to Family Motor Coach Association and the motorhome lifestyle.”
“She was so proud to be honored by her beloved organization,” Jean’s family wrote in a tribute after her death.
The organization was fortunate to have her as a member. As her friend Sheila Donigan noted, “Jean was what FMCA was all about — family, fun, and friendship.”
The family suggests memorial contributions to help build a new playground for Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Visit www.youcaring.com/eagleschoolintermediate-1048654.