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Jean Parker Shute

Jean (Parker) Shute, 91, a life-long resident of Houston County, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Extendicare Health & Rehab, following an extended illness.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Dothan City Cemetery with Pastor Powell Grisham officiating and Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Dothan directing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Respite Care, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301, or Wiregrass Church, 900 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.

Mrs. Shute was born on December 5, 1934, in Houston County to Geraldine and William Jasper Parker. She graduated from Rehobeth High School and went on to work Civil Service at Ft. Rucker before marrying the love of her life, David Shute. Once married, they took over the operations of Shute Pecan Company on Crawford Street in Downtown Dothan. She was first and foremost, a businesswoman. She was a natural in the business world. Once Ross Clark Circle was established, she and David moved the business to the current location in 1967. As the business grew and changed, she began to build a mail order business for the pecans. In the early 80’s, they purchased the building next door to their warehouse and were able to expand their retail and mail order and combine it with her love for antiques and history.

Her favorite pastime was working but when not at her desk, she enjoyed recording her ancestry and reading non-fiction. She had a great passion for the pecan business. After her husband died in 1993, she became the sole proprietor and was at the helm until she retired in 2012. She retired just shy of 50 years of leadership at Shute Pecan Co. Even until the end, she worked long, long hours during the season. In regard to all that hard work, her favorite saying was, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” She truly loved what she did!!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Bruce Shute, Sr.; her son, David Bruce Shute, Jr.; her grandson, John David Hodge; and her four brothers, Bill, Bobby, Joe and Jack Parker.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandi (John) Hodge of Dothan; her two grandchildren, Anna James (Justin), Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Abby Sparkman (Daniel) of Dothan; and her five grandchildren, Poppy, Decker, & Duke James, and Dane & Kennedy Sparkman.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Extendicare Health & Rehab, and the Rehobeth High School Class of 1953 “Breakfast Club” for the love and care shown to their loved one during this very difficult time.