In Remembrance

February 27, 2026

Celebrating the Life of a Cherished Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cynthia Myers “Cindy” Grandle, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 73, after a courageous and nearly year-long battle with ovarian cancer.

Born on February 5, 1953, she was a beacon of kindness, strength, and warmth to all who knew her.  Her unwavering love for her family, friends, and community was evident in every aspect of her life.  She found immense joy in simple pleasures like knitting, reading, dancing, hiking, bird watching, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens.

She earned her B.S. Degree from JMU in 1975 and M.Ed. in 1982.  Cindy taught students with learning disabilities for 26 years in both Colonial Heights and Shenandoah County Public Schools before earning her Ed.S. Degree in 1997 and completing her career as a School Psychologist in Rockingham County Public Schools.  She cared deeply about the colleagues and students she worked with throughout her career.

She was a lifelong member of Timberville Church of the Brethren where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Women’s Fellowship, served on the Church and Deacon Boards, and shared her voice in the choir.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne L. and Eleanor Christine Myers.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jerry L. Grandle, whom she married on June 21, 1975.

Also surviving are two sons, Adam and Zach, grandson, Parker, sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Earl Fink, and a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.  Her memory will live on in the stories we share, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives, friends, and community members who have offered extraordinary care and support throughout the past year.  We also wish to express our deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers whose compassion and dedication brought comfort and peace during her final months.  Your kindness made a profound difference in a difficult time.

Pastor Karl Magenhofer will conduct a celebration of life at Timberville Church of the Brethren on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 am, where friends and family are invited to gather and honor her remarkable legacy.  The family will receive friends Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to Timberville Church of the Brethren outreach programs or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at www.ocrahope.org.

She will be forever missed, lovingly remembered, and always in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace.

Cynthia Myers "Cindy" Grandle is the wife of former owner of Grandle Funeral Home.

https://www.grandlefuneralhome.com/obituary/cynthia-grandle

February 15, 2026

Esther Leedy Taylor, 95, of Hillsville Virginia passed away Sunday February 15, 2025 at Northern Surry Assisted Living. She was born September 12, 1930 in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late Bruce Buchanan Leedy and Maude Meredith Leedy. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Freel Taylor; brother Ray Leedy; sisters, Pauline Hounshell, Mildred Huddle, Ruby Overay, and Iva Haynes. 

After graduating from Marion High School, Mrs. Taylor attended West Virginia Business College. Her first job was working for Bolen Motor Company in Rural Retreat as a bookkeeper. In 1960 she married the love of her life Ray and dedicated her life to her family and her faith.

Throughout her lifetime she taught Sunday School and sang in several groups. She attended Groseclose First Church of God, Groseclose VA, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Elk Creek, VA and First United Methodist Church, Hillsville. Mrs. Taylor was also a teacher's aid at Elk Creek Elementary for 9 years. She was one of the founding ladies of the Independence VFW Auxiliary of Post 7726. In 1999 she moved to Hillsville so she could be close to her family. Her greatest joy was seeing her grandsons and great-grandchildren play out in the yard and in her den.

She will be greatly missed by her family: Daughter Tilda Mullins and son-in-law Tony Mullins of Hillsville. Grandson’s: Benjamin Mullins and wife Devanie, Dr. Nathaniel Mullins and wife Chelsea all of Hillsville. Great Grandchildren: Braxton, Forrest, Josie, Everest, Harrison, Maggie & Aspen all of Hillsville. Special family friend Traven Taylor of Hillsville. The family would like to thank Northern Skilled Nursing Center and Mountain Valley Hospice for their love and care during her illness.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Thursday February 19, 2026. It will be held at Mt.Zion United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, VA. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Private burial will follow at the Comers Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made Camp Dickenson, 801 Camp Dickenson Lane, Fries, VA 24330 or to the charity of your choice.

Vaughan Guynn McGrady Chapel of Hillsville is serving the Taylor family.

Obituary can be found here:  https://www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com/obituary/esther-taylor

Esther Lee Taylor was the Mother-in-Law of Tony Mullins, Manager of Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, VA.  

February 13, 2026

Edward Warren McElmurray III of Salem, Va., passed from the arms of his family into the arms of his Savior on February 13, 2026. Edward was born on October 13, 1931, in Augusta, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Warren Jr. and Alice McKie McElmurray, and sister, Georgia Morris of North Augusta, S.C.

Those who treasure his memory are his wife, Joann Peery McElmurray; son, Fred Warren McElmurray (Mary Anne); daughter, Shari McElmurray Holbrook (Clark); grandchildren, Philip Edward McElmurray (Laura), John Alexander McElmurray (Chuan Xia), Christopher Peery Holbrook, and Kaitlyn Ann Holbrook; and great-grandchildren, Leon Max and Eleanor Reneé McElmurray.

Edward was educated at Carlisle Military Academy, Clemson University and graduate studies at LSU. He retired as second lieutenant in the United States Army.

He has a long association with his church. A charter member of Fairview Presbyterian Church in North Augusta, S.C. A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 50 years serving as Elder, Deacon and most committees. He was active for many years with the Presbytery of the Peaks serving as Trustee, Investment, DOA and Finance.

He had a successful career in the field of Finance and Insurance. He was associated with Shenandoah Life, Regional Manager of New England Life and founded his own company representing various insurance companies. He excelled as a leading regional manager nationwide. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Designation of CLU, a member of the Elks Club, Visa Yacht Club, Virginia Golf Association, Virginia Hospitality Association, Civitan Club, Past Presidents of Roanoke General Agents and Managers Association, Roanoke Valley Association of Life Underwriters, and Roanoke Valley Estate Planning Association. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer for many community organizations.

He loved his family. He loved life. He had a passion for history and travel, having visited 79 countries with Joann. He enjoyed sailing, golfing, snow and water skiing.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Va. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12 p.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will be conducted at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Edward was the Husband of Joann McElmurray, longtime Executive Director of the VFDA

Obituary can be found at: https://www.oakeys.com/obituaries/Edward-Warren-Mcelmurray-Iii?obId=47255250

January 2, 2026

The Rev. Dr. David Keith Clarke, 86, widower of Linda Kay (Freeland) Clarke, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

He was born on August 27, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia, son of the late Leonard Gordon Clarke and Marguerite Lucille (Lyons) Clarke. He was a graduate of DuPont High School, Morris Harvey College, and Emory University School of Divinity. He was an ordained Elder in the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and faithfully served the Church for forty-seven years in pastoral ministry. Throughout his career, he pastored churches across West Virginia and was appointed Fairmont District Superintendent at the age of thirty-six. Even in retirement, he continued to answer God’s call, serving Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet until the end of his life, even administering Holy Communion on Christmas Eve just days before his passing.

In addition to his ministry, Keith devoted his life to service and leadership in both church and community. He served as chair on numerous committees at both the Conference and General Conference levels of the United Methodist Church, including the Conference Rules Committee, Conference Higher Education Committee, Conference Missions Committee, and as President of the General Conference Equitable Salaries Commission. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees at West Virginia Wesleyan College and was honored with the title of “Kentucky Colonel.” Keith was a member of Rotary International and proudly served as past president of the Murrells Inlet Rotary Club. He was also a member and past Grand Prelate of the West Virginia Grand Commandery Knights Templar. His service extended into the community through roles as a choir director, radio broadcaster providing football color commentary, member of the American Red Cross relief assessment team, Habitat for Humanity Board member, and occasional basketball official.

A man of many interests, Keith enjoyed cooking, golfing, traveling, hunting, and basketball. He was an avid West Virginia Mountaineers fan. Music was a lifelong passion, and he found great joy singing in chorales, choirs and small groups, especially alongside his beloved wife, Kay.

Survivors include his two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey P. and Valerie Clarke of Cherry Grove, South Carolina, and Mark A. and Anne Clarke of Staunton, Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberley K. and Tim Williams of Florida; his three grandchildren, Quenton Clarke and his wife Krystal, Noah Clarke and his wife Faith, and Marina English and her husband, Brendan; his beloved great- granddaughter, Rienna Lily Clarke; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In addition to his parents and his wife of sixty-four years, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Samuel Gordon and Martha Clarke, and his daughter-in-law, Kelley Clarke. A Celebration of Keith’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet with the Rev. Will Malambri officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Goldfinch Funeral Home, Murrells Inlet, SC. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belin Memorial Worship and Music Department (4182 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576), the West Virginia Wesleyan College for scholarships for pre- ministerial students (59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201), or to the West Virginia United Methodist Foundation for Seminary Scholarships (500 Virginia Street East, Suite 750, Charleston, WV 25301).

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rev. Dr. D. Keith Clarke please visit our Sympathy Store.

Full obituary can be found here.

His full obituary can be found here.

Keith is the father of Mark A. Clarke, General Manager of Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, VA

December 28, 2025

Susie Ellen David Lucado, 66, of 1001 Broad Street, Altavista died Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of H. Michael Lucado, Sr. for 31 years.

She was born July 17, 1959 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late James Elbert David and Betty Ann Kurtz David. She was a member of Hyland Heights Baptist Church and a retired school teacher. Susie was a graduate of Gretna High School, Bluefield College with a B.S. in Human Resources and a graduate of Liberty University with a Masters in Special Education. She enjoyed traveling and most of all spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Zachary A. Lawrie and his wife, Betsey of Stafford and James D. Lawrie and his wife, Ashley of Forest; three step-sons, H. Michael Lucado, Jr. and his wife, Jennipher of Lynchburg, Matthew S. Lucado and his wife, Sharon of Hurt and Christopher B. Lucado and his wife, Christina of Sparks, NV; one daughter, Tabitha D. Lucado Hernandez and her husband, Emilio of Hurt; one sister, Deborah Annas and her husband, Richard of Hurt, nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, James T. David.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Finch & Finch Chapel by Pastor Butch McCarthy with interment to follow in Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery, Appomattox.

The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Hyland Heights Baptist Church Youth Ministry or Food Pantry, 100 English Tavern Road, Rustburg, VA 24588.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Susie David Lucado please visit our Sympathy Store.

Online condolences may be made at https://www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com/obituaries/susie-lucado/#!/Obituary

December 16, 2025

Carl Lee Easter, 82 of Catawba went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born May 26, 1943, son of the late Walter Thurman and Stella Lucinda Stutler Easter. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert "Bobby" Lee Easter; father-in-law, Frank William Walker and mother-in-law, Juanita Webb Walker.

Carl's distinguished career as a funeral director started in Pulaski at Bower's Funeral Home and continued at Oakey's Funeral Service in Roanoke for 28 years from where he retired. Carl also received the Golden License Award for 50 years as a funeral director from the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. Carl was a member of Christian Life International Church in Salem, VA. Carl loved his family, and they were so very important to him.

Carl is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Walker Easter; daughter, Teri Brown (David); stepdaughter, Renee` Mullins; stepson, Chris Pittman (Calli); grandchildren, Savannah Decarolis (Robert), Gabriel Hatcher, Markus Mullins and Isaac Mullins.

The funeral service was held at 1:00 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Christian Life International Church with Pastor Ryan Linkous officiating. Burial followed in the Sarver Family Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.

Retired employee of Oakey’s Funeral Service, Roanoke, V

November 29, 2025

Betty “Kaye” Jessee Settle, of Lynchburg, formerly of Greenville, SC and Springfield, VA, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her greatest loves.

Many could say she passed after a long battle with cancer. But if you knew her, you knew she was a multiple Cancer Survivor and Warrior. She never gave up, never lost hope and never gave in - to her last breath she fought. She fought to be with and here for everyone she loved. Her dedication was there through her very last moments; her love and commitment will never be forgotten.

She was born in Danville, KY on September 5, 1945, the only child of John Dickenson and Rubye Hanson Jessee.

She touched so many around her in ways that were meaningful. She was a fierce friend, advocate, and confidante. She rode the happy times with friends and family, but if you were in trouble and needed someone by your side – Kaye was a force to be reckoned with. She saw who you were, who you wanted to be, and she would help you figure out how to get there. She had a way of being brutally honest, but only with the best of intent and only to drive the best result. There are many that cherish and will cherish memories of her in ways that can’t ever really be explained, if you know – you know.

An avid reader – you could regularly find her hunting for books anywhere they were to be had. She refused to move into the times of a silly kindle or tablet…what would she need that for; all she needed was a book. Besides, an iPad is for playing games, reading emails, and looking for shopping deals. Without a book, during relaxation times you would find her curled up watching all the best British television or Science Fiction there is to off er.

Kaye had a flare for anything she did. How she decorated or put a meal together. She loved anything created by P. Buckley Moss, she was a collector that would put many others to shame. More so was her love of Christmas – particularly Santa Clauses and all the decorations placed with love. She was a lifelong Methodist, an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society for several years, and a highly competitive Hand and Foot player (but happiest when she was winning). Kaye was fun and at the same time made anything she touched beautiful.

She was a natural explorer and loved antiques or touchy feelies as she called them. Kaye and her husband Kemp traveled up and down the east coast visiting family and friends in Kemp’s RV. Kemp could say she tolerated his love of RVing. Let’s put it this way, she would have rather been camping at a Ritz Carlton but thoroughly enjoyed every single one of their adventures together. Stopping along the way to discover Antique Shops and Flea Markets. Kaye loved things that were old, had beauty and value. Their traveling gave her new hunting grounds which over time became regular places to visit. She really enjoyed it when they went to Florida each February to hide away from the cold and eat at all their favorite restaurants.

Left to cherish and hold her memory close, always, are her husband and best friend of over 32 years, Kemp Nicholas Settle; her daughter (her pride and joy) Jessica Thompson Ford; her son in love Danaus “Dan” Ray Ford; and her constant companion, Sherlock aka Jessica’s bubby (a very sweet and precocious Peak-a-Poo).

The family will receive friends from 3:00–5:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Whitten Funeral Home Timberlake Chapel, Lynchburg, VA. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA, 23069.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Kaye by sending a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 to help support her love of dogs.

Kaye was the wife of VFDA member and past president Kemp Settle, Operations manager of Whitten Funeral Homes in Lynchburg. 

November 10, 2025

Howard Eugene Belvin, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025. He was a licensed funeral professional for over 50 years. Born in Durham, NC, he was the son of the late Carolyn Kramer Belvin and N. Piper Belvin.

Gene began his funeral service career after graduating from Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science after which he worked at Cox Funeral Home for many years, and later became Vice President of Seaboard Memorials and after it closed, he worked at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. until he retired.

Gene was a longtime member of Ghent United Methodist Church, and was a past president of their U.M.C. Men’s Club. He was a member and past president of the Norfolk Kawanis Club, the Norfolk Jaycees, and the Tidewater Funeral Directors Association where he also served for many years as the Chairman of the T.F.D.A. Scholarship Committee, and the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was also a past president of the Virginia Monument Builders Association and the Allied Memorial Council.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret B. Belvin; 2 sons, Howard E. Belvin, Jr. (Lavinia) and Christopher P. Belvin (Avi); a brother, Miles Clark Belvin; 5 grandchildren, Christopher A. Belvin (Steph Pullen), W. Kyle Belvin, Cortlyn R. McWilliams (Matt), Amber Nicole Armstrong (Nick), and Cameron Amanda Belvin; 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; and many loving friends who will miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, Nov. 14th from 6 until 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Chapel of H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. A memorial service will be conducted the following day, Saturday, Nov. 15th at 3:00 p.m. at Ghent United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brittany Toner officiating. Gene will be buried at a later date in Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ghent United Methodist Church, 531 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507.

Obituary can be found here

September 22, 2025

Wilma (Hodge) Obaugh, age 97, of McDowell, passed away September 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.

Born July 31, 1928 in Highland County, she was the daughter of the late George Henry and Camilla (Hupman) Hodge. Raised by her father in Salem, she was a graduate of the former Andrew Lewis High School and would go on to attend Mary Baldwin College.

She was married January 29, 1949 to William G. “Bill” Obaugh, who preceded her in death January 1, 1996.

A woman of considerable faith, she was a member of the Stonewall Christian Fellowship, former member of the United Methodist Women, and the former McDowell United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years and faithfully served as pianist for 45 years.

Wilma spent a good portion of her years as a homemaker, raising her children and helping her husband on the farm, as well as with his business affairs. In 1966, she would go on to assume a vast majority of the clerical and managerial responsibilities of Obaugh Funeral Home, and together with her husband, Bill, diligently worked to ensure the continuance of the funeral home. Wilma retired as co-owner and manager of Obaugh Funeral Home in 1998, following thirty-two years of service to the community.

Always a lady, Wilma was known for her integrity, resilience, and genuine sincerity. Even in her later years, with great ease, she maintained the poise and unassuming confidence of her youth. However, neither was she one to shy away from hard work. She prepared countless meals for her family, farmhands, and community members, and ensured that no one left hungry. Additionally, she tended to their flock of sheep, assisted with the funeral home’s ambulance service, and managed her household in the midst of the demanding hours of the funeral home business.

Wilma loved traveling with her friend Ruthie Condra and taking family vacations with her children and grandchildren. She loved her independence and maintained her driver’s license well into her 80s in spite of her lead foot, which she always denied. She enjoyed playing board games and card games with her grandchildren, or simply visiting with her family. Some of her granddaughters’ most cherished memories include staying up until the wee hours of the night talking with her until they would fall asleep in her “fancy canopy bed.” An avid reader, Wilma had impeccable grammar and was always quick to correct her grandchildren’s speech.

Above all, Wilma was a giver – she would give her love, her time, her prayers, and even her finances to anyone in need. No matter the occasion, she was faithful in sending heartfelt letters and cards to family, friends, and acquaintances. This was evidence of the fact that she simply cared about people. Her faith, her strength, her joy, and her generosity made her the role model who her family so lovingly adored and still aspire to become.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by an infant great-grandson, Griffin Obaugh; lifelong best friend and college roommate, Ruth Condra; and special “brothers”, Elmer and Donald Allanson.

Surviving family members include her children, George William “G.W.” Obaugh of McDowell, Roy Brent Obaugh of McDowell, Donna Kay Ashby and husband, Forrest of Staunton, and Kyle Todd Obaugh and wife, Karla of McDowell; grandchildren Bryan Obaugh and wife, Megan of Monterey, Ben Obaugh and wife, Jill of Moneta, Bryce Obaugh and wife, Beth of St. Paris, OH, Beth Obaugh Linkenhoker and husband, David of Goodview, Kelly Ashby Throckmorton and husband, Josh of Rockingham, Jenna Ashby MacFarland and husband, Zack of Natural Bridge, Kate Obaugh Sponaugle and husband, Matthew of McDowell, Kari Obaugh Lightner and husband, Chad of Head Waters, Emily Ashby Blose and husband, Trevor of Spokane Valley, WA, and Rhonda Obaugh of McDowell; great-grandchildren, Lane Obaugh, Jackson Obaugh, Blaine DeMarco, Noah Obaugh, Savannah Linkenhoker, Eva MacFarland, Alyssa Obaugh, Olivia Obaugh, Ariella Obaugh, Liam Obaugh, Nora Linkenhoker, Kylee Lightner, Lowell Obaugh, Annalise Obaugh, Forrest MacFarland, Laurel Obaugh, Kash Lightner, Malak Obaugh, Eleanor Sponaugle, Oliver Blose, Alexander Blose, Titus Obaugh, Lilith Obaugh, Mary Sponaugle, and Faith Throckmorton; and special cousin, Holly Jordan.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Head Waters Cemetery with Pastor Chip Hill officiating.

The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Saturday evening at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, as well as during a meal of fellowship following the committal service in the Stonewall Ruritan Building.

In Wilma’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433, or the Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilma Hodge Obaugh, please visit our flower store.

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