Jean Hawkins Alther's Obituary
Jean Hawkins Alther, 87 of Washington, VA passed away after a short illness on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at her home with her loving grandson, granddaughter, and special friends by her side. She was born on December 8, 1935 in Rappahannock County to the late Edgar B. Hawkins and Annie B. Hawkins.
Jean was known for her kindness, hard-working nature, feistiness, humor, and infectious laugh. She loved the outdoors and would always find projects to keep her busy. You would often find her painting, weed eating, trimming bushes, raking leaves, or push-mowing her yard. She took pride in keeping her property in the most prestigious condition. Jean loved working in the garden in her younger years and kept herself busy with canning vegetables and fruits. She loved to dance and volunteered at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department and Thrift Shop for many years. Jean was fond of collecting antiques including furniture, which she enjoyed refurbishing in her spare time.
She is survived by her two daughters, Judy Kay Deal of Hume, VA and Janet Leigh Payne of Amissville. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Johnathan Deal (Kylie Christensen), Jamie Deal, and Julie Zindell (Luke Zindell), and one great-granddaughter, Jordan Welch. She is also survived by her special cat, Jill.
Additional survivors include one brother, Frank Hawkins (Catherine) of Fredericksburg, VA, and one sister, Mabel Hawkins Burke, of Woodville, VA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jonas Alther, Jr., son, Jonas Wayne (“Jay”) Alther, brothers, William R. “Billy” Hawkins, Roger D. Hawkins and Robert “Bobby” Hawkins (Jeanetta), and one sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Burke.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Washington Masonic Cemetery, 19 Fodderstack Road, Washington, VA 22747.
The Reverend David “Scratch” Clanagan will be preaching the service, per Jean’s wishes. The family is grateful to all their family and friends and Hospice of the Piedmont for taking such good care of Jean over the past few weeks, and the love and support shown during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to Washington Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 238, Washington, VA 22747 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/. These were two of Jean's favorite organizations.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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