Iva Jean Rothwell, 77 of Mechanicsville, MD died November 11, 2011 at Washington Hospital Center. Born April 17, 1934 in Keystone, NE, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Allen Dunwoody and Viva Jeanette (Clapp) Dunwoody.

After graduation from Scottsbluff High School in NE, Jean moved to Oakland, CA where she married Paul Rothwell. During her 25 years as a Navy wife and mother, she established homes in CA, WA, MD and back to WA. Upon retiring from the Navy, the family returned to their home in CA Once the nest was emptied, Jean pursued a teaching degree, turning her heart's desire into an acknowledged profession. In 1994, upon Paul's second retirement, they settled in Maryland where they immersed themselves into the community of St. Mary's County. Jean devoted her efforts to tutoring reading students and serving the Lord through the Hollywood Methodist church.

Jean is survived by her husband, Paul C. Rothwell, children, Paula Mercurio (Greg) of Campbell, CA, Michael Rothwell (Francis) of Camino, CA, Patrick Rothwell (Joanne) of Hattiesburg, MS, Philip Rothwell (Lydia) of Port Hueneme, CA, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, siblings, Leota Schnell of Keystone, NE, Elton Dunwoody (Lois) of Keystone, NE and Jerald Dunwoody (Sonnely) of Oreville, CA.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Lawrence Dunwoody, Shirley Slape, and Twylah Stallings.

Family will receive friends for Jean's Life Celebration on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Hollywood United Methodist Church, 24422 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Interment will follow in Joy Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.