Jonlyn Hock McCuan

Jonlyn Hock McCuan, peacefully passed away on January 27, 2026. Jonlyn survived forty-four extraordinary years following two successful heart transplants. Her first donor match was made in 1982, and she was retransplanted in 2010 with the second donor heart. Over the course of her life, Jonlyn endured more than twenty surgeries and a bout with fungal meningitis. Her life—and the challenges she faced—stand as an extraordinary testament to her faith, perseverance, and grace. “They say I am living history,” Jonlyn said in a newspaper article written on the twentieth anniversary of her first transplant. She was recently told that she was the longest-surviving heart transplant recipient in the United States. Known for her infectious giggle, Jonlyn delighted in an occasional glass of champagne, chocolate of any kind, and—most of all—the love of everyone who knew her. She cherished teaching Sunday School to first graders, her Garden Club, and the deep love she shared with her husband, John, and their extended family. Jonlyn graduated from Sewickley Valley Hospital of Nursing and later was a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, as Suma Cum Laude. Jonlyn used her knowledge and compassion as a cardiac care nurse and a variety of nursing positions throughout the years. Her first job after Sewickley Valley was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida working in the hospital as well as accompanying patients on airline flights to different locations. She later would move back to Charlotte, North Carolina and worked at the hospital there. Her next job was moving to Vero Beach, Florida and she later moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Jonlyn worked at UAB after she received her bachelor’s degree and assisted many doctors in multiple fields. She also gave personal testimonials advocating for the importance of organ donation through the nonprofit, Donate for Life. For her remarkable survival, she emphatically gave credit where she believed it belonged: “God—He sustained me,” she said. “I never take a day for granted.” In her memory, please consider becoming an organ donor, giving blood, or—if you feel led—donating to a nursing scholarship established in her honor. This was established with Jonlyn’s blessing with the hope that it would support a nursing student who has overcome health challenges. Jonlyn is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, John McCuan Jr., their two children, Danielle Sanford, her husband Paul and John McCuan III, his wife Melinda, Six grandchildren: Ryan, her husband Ben, Chase, Anna, her husband Bennett, Sarah, her husband Jimmy, Seth and Leah. Her two sisters, Jonette and Joanne. Her nephews, John and Will and step-siblings, Norman, Jean, Mike, Norma, Lynn, Lou, Richard, Diane, Jim, Judy, Jean, John, Robyn, Jim and their families. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 Donations may be made to: UAB Gift Records Gifts@uab.edu AB 1230 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-0112 St Jude’s Hospital Mail check and this form to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Jonlyn Hock McCuan

December 19, 1954 - January 26, 2026