Jean Prillaman Philpotts

Jean Marie Prillaman Philpotts, passed away on June 16, 2023, in Collinsville, Virginia at the age of 88. She was born in Henry County, Virginia to Morton Prillaman, and Elizabeth Davis Prillaman on October 10, 1934.

In 1956 Jean married Gene Philpotts. They enjoyed a lifetime of laughter about having the same name and were lovingly known as Boy Gene/Girl Jean and later as Papa Gene/Mama Jean.

Jean lived all of her life in Henry County Virginia, except for college and 2 years afterward in Bristol, Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Radford University and 2 master’s degrees in education and administration from the University of Virginia.

Jean had a servant’s heart with her family, her schools, her community, and her church. She began her career by teaching French in Bristol, Virginia. Jean was an educator with Henry County Public Schools for 35 years starting out teaching fifth grade, then she spent most of her career as an elementary principal. Because she was so well respected, many teachers and principals were mentored by Jean. She loved her family deeply and was a treasured friend. Jean enjoyed working, serving, traveling, and doing a multitude of things as long as it was with her family or friends. She was known to see good in most people calling them “sweet” and always said her son, Don and her grandsons, Ryan and Jake were “perfect” and could do no wrong. Jean’s favorite place to relax was the beach.

By only 3 days was Jean preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gene. Also preceding her in death were her parents, and brother Wayne Prillaman. She was survived by her son Don and daughter-in-law Joyce of Marietta, Georgia; grandson Ryan of Houston, Texas; grandson Jake and grand-daughter-in-law Maggie, of Milton, Georgia; two great grandsons, Andrew and William of Milton, Georgia; sister Glenda Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, on August 18, 2023, at 11 AM, preceded by visitation at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Memorial UMC (SmithMemorialUMC.com/give) or Grace Network (GraceNetworkMHC.org).

To place an online tribute, visit www.CollinsMcKeeStoneBassett.com