With deep sadness we join the immediate family, close friends, neighbors and the countless people Jean called her guests, in mourning the death of Sister Jean Webster. Her life was a continuous example of selfless caring for those in need and an inspiration for anyone who knew her or knew about her.

Over 27 years ago, Jean Webster saw a man foraging for food in a trash can and took him into her home and fed him. From that initial act of kindness Sister Jean's commitment to care for those in need grew to match the size of her heart. Today, located at the Victory First Presbyterian Deliverance Church at 1301 Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City, Sister Jean's Kitchen feeds over 400 disadvantaged people every day, Monday through Friday.

For the past several years, as her health deteriorated, Sister Jean was concerned about whether the work of the Kitchen would continue after her death. She realized that poverty and hunger are basic problems of the human condition that would survive her. For this reason she authorized the creation of the Friends of Jean Webster, a 501-(c)-(3) corporation. The goal of the Friends of Jean Webster, Inc. is to insure that Sister Jean's legacy will continue and that those most in need will be able to receive a nutritious meal in a place where they will be treated like guests, with care, compassion and respect.

Therefore, in tribute to Sister Jean Webster and inspired by her example we are pleased to announce that her legacy will live on. The Kitchen will remain in operation under the leadership of the Friends of Jean Webster and will continue to provide a safe place for a nutritious meal for hungry people.

The Friends of Jean Webster may be contacted through its Executive Director, Rev. John R. Scotland at 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine, NJ 08203, via phone at 609-266-7942 or through any of its board members. Members of the Board of the Friends of Jean Webster, Inc. include: Linda Carney, President, Jon Rosky, Vice President, Janet Bossi, Treasurer, Gay Channell, Secretary, Shawn McCloud, Bunny McGee, Richard Williams, Nathan Johnson and James Esco.

Because Sister Jean gave everything she had to others, The Friends of Jean Webster, Inc. will do everything we can to join with her immediate family by assisting in making her final arrangements. Memorial donations in honor of Sister Jean can be made by mailing them to the following address:

Friends of Jean Webster (FOJW)
P.O. Box 5146
Atlantic City, NJ 08404-5146

Over fifteen years ago, former casino chef, Jean Webster, saw a man searching for food in a garbage can on an Atlantic City street. With five dollars in her pocket, Jean bought the man a meal at a local restaurant and invited him to eat at her very own home the next day. Many other people accompanied this particular man back to Jean's house on Indiana Avenue and she fed all of these individuals, and continued to do so for several years.

When her health caused her to leave her casino job, Jean continued feeding Atlantic City's needy until she was forced to leave her Indiana Avenue home. Jean continues to this day to volunteer her time, talent and treasure to carry on such an outstanding mission.

Just last year, Jean Webster's Kitchen provided meals for almost 200,000 "guests" (as she insists that they be called) who received a total of almost 300,000 meals. Individuals, churches, casinos, and the Community Food Bank of Southern Jersey, have helped Jean with contributions of food, but there have been many times when she has used her own medication money to buy food for these underprivileged people of Atlantic City in need of assistance.

Referred to by many as "The Mother Teresa of Atlantic City," Jean has had to endure red tape eviction and serious health problems (including angina) over the years, in addition to a most recent bout of pneumonia in the Fall of 2010.

The First Presbyterian Church on Pennsylvania Avenue came to the rescue with kitchen space for her very special mission, where Jean, to to date, continues to feed approximately 600-700 homeless and/or underprivileged people per day.