Jean Ellen Blythe Guthrie was born August 9, 1941. She was adopted at an early age by Atty. Owen K. Blythe and wife, Jimmie Lou Blythe.  Sister Guthrie gave her life to the Lord at 10 years old under the late Wilber A. Page at Union Baptist Church. Sister Blythe sung in the Jr. Choir until graduating from Withrow in 1959.  Sister Guthrie attended the Southern Ohio Business College.  Jean was an honor student and first black Student Council President. She later attended Cincinnati Bible College, receiving Christian Education. She also attended Cincinnati Christian University's "Impact" Seminars and Reunions.  Jean integrated her work office in the Cincinnati area as the first black and only black office worker in the secretary, stenographer field.  She integrated the Office and Clerical Workers Union while employed at the Union of Brewery Workers, Local 1199.  She received a small pension based on her years of service.  Jean Guthrie started a maternity leave policy with her daughter, Jill R. Guthrie.  Prior to Jean's pregnancy with Jill, no policy on maternity existed for mothers.  Jean shared this news with her husband, Ronald James when the Union of Brewery Workers made a maternity leave policy for all women.  "God was good to her!"  She has held different offices at several churches.  She was an Ordained Minister, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Ministerial Worker for Childrens' Church, Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Sunday School Teacher and a Choir Member.  Jean liked to give back by volunteering.  She volunteered at the City Gospel Mission, the Center for Peace Education and the Red Cross, Cincinnati Area Chapter.  While volunteering at the Red Cross she received two plaques;  "You Make a Difference" and one for a 20 year member recognition.  She also received a 20-year pin.

She was preceded in death by her only late ex-husband, Ronald J. Guthrie; son, Todd Blythe Guthrie..

She leaves to mourn, her biological daughter and last living next of kin, Jill R. Guthrie; Jill and Todd's God mother, Laura Thompson; Betty Bridges and a few other friends from Uptown Church, Senior Chateau and Union Baptist Church.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Walker Funeral Home, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy, Ohio (45231).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery.

To share a memory of Jean  or leave a special message for the  Guthrie family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Guthrie family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.