August 19, 2025
Jean Everly - a true gentlewoman, whose heart stirred with strong affection, was the most kind, loving, generous and devoted person. Her inherent nature was refined, and selflessness was her first instinct. From a child raised modestly by her widowed mother, to a partner in a real estate enterprise, she lived a full and abundant life. As funeral home office manager, Coast Guard Auxiliarist, volunteer, traveler, and quilter she found much purpose and pleasure. But nothing enriched her life more than her roles as wife, mother, grand and great-grandmother.
Born in Alexandria, VA on August 19, 1934, Jean Walker Wiley arrived to adoring parents, Mrs. Lucille and Mr. Dallas Gray Wiley. Though an only child, she was never without companionship—her cousins Ann and Joan lived just across the street, and together they formed lifelong bonds as close as sisters. Growing up in a household of five adults, Jean was guided in the ways of grace and etiquette—an upbringing that would don her the nickname “Mary Poppins” for being so prim and proper, and later inspire what family and friends fondly called the “Jean Everly Finishing School.”
This meant no lady dare say something as awful as, “shoot” or “dang” in her presence, or one would be met with the quickest (but still kindest) scolding. She also didn’t tolerate “toot” or “fart”. One either, “stepped on a frog” or there were “barking spiders.” On the flip side, on the rare occasion she let a vulgarity or curse word slip, the entire room fell silent, and then burst into laughter, and everyone would give her heck. Often, she would innocently ask, “What did I say?” in that sweet, slight, southern twang.
At the age of 16, sadly, she would suffer the loss of her father. But that did not inhibit her from continuing with her studies and extracurricular activities at G.W. High School. As a cheerleader, she met football player Julian W. Everly – the one and only love of her life. They dated and were married December 27, 1952 when she was only 18. They would be together for the next 68 years until his passing in January 2021. Her granddaughters, in particular, would admire and aspire to be like her, wondering with awe and true amazement at her ability to always remain the ever supportive, obedient, and humble wife and partner she was; proud to be Mrs. Julian Everly.
Jean would attend one year at the all-girls college, Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, but would quickly move on to live in Cape May, NJ where Julian was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard. Here, she learned to stretch his meager salary and make their humble apartment a warm home. Upon returning to the Northern Virginia area, they worked alongside Julian’s father, Joe, and her brother in-law and sister in-law, John and Carol Everly to build up the family-owned and operated businesses, Everly and Everly-Wheatley Funeral Homes. Years later, the family would grow Jomar Corporation investing in a variety of real estate and franchise properties to include several houses in Alexandria, a Wendy’s and a Wawa.
As the business grew, so did their family. Jean and Julian welcomed three children – Elizabeth Ann (Marc), Linda Louise (Ricky/Jeff) and Julian Wilson Everly, Jr. (Ramey). The family enjoyed a mix of suburban life in Springfield, VA as well as country living at “The Farm” in Star Tannery, VA. It was here that her family recalls fond memories of how she equipped them with either her Virginia Slims or Salem cigarettes to hold, and a dryer sheet pinned to the brim of a hat to ward off mosquitos.
Many years later, Jean and Julian would purchase an additional home in Callao, VA, and relocate to the Northern Neck for over two decades. At this waterfront residence, the family enjoyed visiting and partaking in activities like crabbing off the pier, boating, tubing and swimming. Jean always insisted the kids follow all the safety protocols she taught from 1982 - 2014 in Flotilla
3-10 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Rule number one - Wear your safety vest!
She was always up and doing – always cooking for everyone, ensuring their food was made just as they liked it. She made the most delicious fried oysters, and was the best scrapple chef – ensuring a perfectly crispy, but not overdone outside, with a deliciously mushy middle. She was a fantastic hostess, ensuring there was always enough food to, “Feed Cox’s Army” as she would exclaim. Nonetheless, she herself was not a big eater. Carrying over from her childhood pickiness, where only the family cook could coax her to eat, she often only indulged in what we lovingly refer to as a “Nanny Sliver” – the tiniest piece possible. She also sipped her black coffee and nursed along her water glass. The one exception might be when it came to her favorite dish - spaghetti with meat sauce. And there was always dessert - her favorite ice cream or a Snicker’s. There are many memories of being taken to the local grocery market for her grandchildren and even the children of strangers to pick out a candy bar.
Her hospitality and generosity did not stop with her family. She also volunteered cooking for Bingo Nights at the Franconia Station 5 Firehouse where Julian was Chief, and delivering Meals on Wheels - ensuring those in her community were well fed and cared for. Her volunteer work also extended to participation in the Salvation Army and Daughters of the American Revolution for over 70 years!!
Jean and Julian would spend much of their time traveling amongst their three residences, enjoying their past times, and visiting with the families of their children - blustering through the door with bags and bags of supplies. Julian asking Jean to hand him the “framas” - to which only she knew what he meant (it was different each time). They enjoyed other trips to include a magnificent cruise to Alaska and another down the Mississippi River. Travel she would - by boat or car or train, but in all her 91 years – never in a plane. There were many other things she wouldn’t do, putting her foot down, pouting, “I don’t wanna.”
But, one thing she did love to do was quilt! As a member of the Uptown Quilters Bee (or Bee Hive as Julian used to mistakenly call it), she put countless hours into selecting, purchasing and sewing fabric. She made personalized stockings for each of her grandchildren, and unique quilts to commemorate special occasions. Her leftover “dibs and dabs” stored in her attic sewing room made for great craft supplies. She passed on her skills to her children and their children - a legacy that will continue.
Jean and Julian boast 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Each, she would adoringly address as, “Darlin” and greet with a lipstick stained, wet-lipped kiss. When you had the pleasure of sitting next to her, often she would hold or gently caress your hand with her naturally long, strong fingernails. Every Valentine’s Day, she mailed a petite card with a simple greeting and $5 bill. Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases she was even more generous with cards and checks – signing each, “Love, Nanny and Da” in the smallest, almost undiscernible script.
She was also a lover of dogs. From Checkers and Root Beer to her beloved, Gracie - she thoroughly enjoyed their companionship, and they hers. An avid reader, she indulged in countless romance and mystery novels. Often asking the grandchildren if they would like to read when she was finished; to which they would politely decline. A big fan of John Wayne and Murder She Wrote, there was rarely a movie she watched that she didn’t cry - tissues always had to be at hand. And, when she got frustrated at the children, she would threaten to get after them with the flyswatter - like the time she chased Wilson down the street for going after the ice cream man without her. Though, ever protective of her “fellas”, she’d protest, “Not my baby, he didn’t do that.” if anyone dare suggest they did something amiss. And whenever asked how she was doing, one could rest assured the answer was always, "I'm fine.”
However, around 2018-2019, Jean had a health scare. Life for her and Julian needed to slow down as they began to need more care. So, they moved in with their son and daughter-in-law, Wilson and Ramey in Lake Frederick, VA. Here they would spend their days in his and her recliners, or be chauffeured to Starbucks or Walmart. In 2021, Jean would move into The Retreat at Berryville where she played Bingo and made crafts. Family and friends gathered here just days before her 91st birthday to celebrate - she was all smiles. Having seen her family all one last time, she was ready now to go and be with all those that had passed away before her. She departed this earth the evening of August 27, 2025.
Jean Everly’s life was a remarkable journey of love, devotion, and grace. She poured her heart into her family, community, and many passions, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide all who knew her. Though we will miss her welcoming smile, positive attitude, tender touch, and steadfast presence, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Julian and so many loved ones gone before. Her spirit lives on in the countless memories she created and the love she sowed so generously—a lasting gift that will forever remain in our hearts.
Elizabeth Ann (Marcus)
- - Juliann
- o Hailee
- - Jamie
- - Jessica (Joseph)
- o Austin
- o Annabelle
- - Justin (Jacqueline)
- o Mary
- o Leslie
- o Michael
Linda (Richard/Jeffrey)
- - Lauren (Mario)
- o Deveraux
- o Sterling
- - Allison
- o Eric
- o Everly
- o Ensley
- - Brayden
Wilson (Ramona)
- - Terrin (Bryan)
- o Paityne
- o Parker
- - Tanner (Jamie)
- o Mason
- o Landon
- o Addison
- - Tristin (Kyle)
- o Karsen
- o Beau
- o Aeris
- - Amber
- o Collin
- o Lucy
- o Jayce
- - Brittney (Jesse)
- o Leah
- o Larissa
- - Casey (Giovani)
- o Arianna
- o Mia
