Jean Marie Lassiter, 79, a long time resident of both Poughkeepsie and Woodland, NC peacefully entered into Heaven's gate, April 19, 2017 at Renaissance Rehabilitation/Nursing Care Center.

Loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Jean Marie Lassiter was born October 26, 1937 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Bessie M. Riley and the late William S. Riley Sr. Jean was raised and attended schools in the City of Poughkeepsie. As a young professional, Jean worked at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center. Jean met and married the late William C. Lassiter (Cliff) on December 23, 1958 in Poughkeepsie, NY and was married for 47 years. Her passion and dedication to helping those within the community was the impetus behind one of Jean's defining moments in life. Jean became an executive caretaker of children for over the next 40 years, a task that she proved was not for the faint of heart. Jean loved children with an immense passion and dedicated her life to ensuring the safety and security of the children's lives she touched.

When Jean had some down time from her work, she enjoyed reading in her pastime. She was a very well read woman and an avid reader of crime thrillers and romance novels. Throughout her life, Jean has completed over 7,000 books and considers herself a word search and puzzle enthusiast. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and a member of Pastors Aid Ministry of Poughkeepsie, NY. Jean was gentle yet strong, loving yet firm and illustrated a tenacious attitude and spirit in which one could be inspired and humbled by.

Jean is survived by her mother, Bessie M. Riley, devoted daughter, Deborah L. Pegg and her dedicated Son-in-Law, Mark; her three sons, Winston R. Mitchell Jr (Donna), Ernest Mitchell and Michael Porter; one brother William L. Riley Jr.; her sister Margaret Mizell; one Goddaughter, Alisha Dixon; five grandchildren; six great grand children; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

She is predeceased by siblings; David C. Riley and Alberta Johnson.

Special thanks for the exceptional care: Renaissance Rehabilitation / Nursing Care Center Dr. Schaefer-Cutillo, Dr. Reyes and staff The Dyson Center Radiology and Infusion staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society on memory of Jean.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 24, 2017 from 10:30-11:30 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, with a funeral service at 11:30. Burial at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery to follow.

Arrangements are entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, Inc. 39 S. Hamilton St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-452-1840. To send online condolences, please visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org