Jean Ward Tompkins

Jean Ward Tompkins, 94, went peacefully to be with the Lord on July 25, 2015 with her family by her side. She was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Episcopal Church for 50+ years, and a founding member of the Crusader Bible Class.

Jean was born in Evarts, Kentucky to William and Mamie Campbell. She was one of nine children. She lived in the Jr. Order of United American Mechanics' National Orphans' Home in Tiffin, Ohio from the age of 5 to 18. From there she moved to Roanoke, Virginia to live with her brother and go to business school. When war was threatening the U.S., she moved to Norfolk to work at Western Union.

In 1940, Jean met Jack Ward and they were married in 1942. After their first son John was born, Jack was drafted in the Army. Jean had her first daughter, Jackie, shortly after he left and raised the two of them with the help of Jack’s mother, Addie Ward. Their family was later completed with another daughter, Jeanne, and two more sons, Jimmy and Jay. The home was full of love and laughter.

As the children grew Jean went back to work to assist in providing for the family. Over the years she enjoyed working at Trinity Lutheran Church, Central Baptist Church, Norfolk Naval Station and later as a substitute teacher in Norfolk Public Schools. She also obtained an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Old Dominion University. Although she loved work, she never neglected to spend time with family, friends, vacation and play. Her church family was an integral part of her life.

After retirement, she joined Sixty Plus, various dancing clubs and the Beachtones vocal group. She continued dancing until the week she passed. There was never a dull moment in her life, with all of her activities and helping raise and care for 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

When Jack died, Jean married Harold Tompkins, and continued her life of family, love, laughter and following the path of the Lord. She was a living example of a life dedicated to the Lord and His teachings.

Jean is survived by her husband Harold Tompkins, sons; John T. Ward (Karen) and Jay R. Ward, daughters; Jackie Fulcher (Claude) and Jeanne Tomlinson (Tom), 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, at 1:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church, 124 W. Freemason St., Norfolk, VA. The visitation will be Tuesday, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA. Please visit www.woodlawngroup.com to leave condolences for the family.