All of the Mullis kids -- Perry, Roscoe, Franklin, Ida, Marian, and Jean were amazing. My childhood memories are vivid when it comes to Thanksgivings in Valdosta; the antics of my cousins, the stories of my aunts and uncles. The humor, and the story-telling. In my professional life I am a story-teller and have spoken to groups in many places around the world. And I learned the skills from the Mullis Kids. I dearly loved them all. Aunt Jean, though, was a special member of a special group. When I was 14, I think, I went to Ft. Pierce for a couple of weeks to stay with Aunt Jean, Uncle David, and my cousins. Biking around Ft. Pierce, trips to the Indian River to the orange juice factory, the lime and lemon trees in their yard. The wild boar running through the neighborhood. Shooting off model rockets in the nearby schoolyard. And Aunt Jean. Brilliant. Funny. Loving and Challenging and Caring all rolled into one. She adored my mother, and she made it clear she adored me, too. I will always remember her with warmth, fondness, and will never forget the sheer joy of her laughter. You don't have a choice when it comes to family; you get what you get. But on both sides I was incredibly fortunate. Certainly more than I could have chosen. Aunt Jean and I would talk about books and authors; and she was always there to hear what I'd read, and what I think, and help me focus my opinions. She never stopped teaching. I am forever in her debt, and my life is immeasurably richer for having known her. Rest in Peace, Aunt Jean, and thank you.