Loucretia Jane Lord

Jane was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. Her parents were Lillian Valarie Wilson and Chester Howard Ross. She had a brother Chester Howard Ross, Jr., who died in 2018. Jane graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in elementary education. In 1970 she married William Fred Lord in Monterey, California. Bill’s career with the U.S. Navy required them to move to Arlington, Virginia where they had two children, Jill Marie and Fred Ross. They moved to Virginia Beach where they lived for five years, and then relocated to McLean, Virginia in 1980. Bill retired from the Navy and continued his career as a computer systems analyst. Jane stopped working full-time while her children were young, but she maintained an interest in education and education policy. She worked as a part-time instructional aid for Fairfax County Public Schools and was very active in the Parent Teacher Association and held statewide office. Jane returned to full time teaching in 1988 for FCPS and taught at Haycock and Timberlane Elementary schools among others. She matriculated at George Mason University where she studied instructional technology and earned her master’s degree in 1996. Jane retired from FCPS in 2004.

She is survived by her children Jill and Ross, her son-in-law, Stephen Byrd, and her grandchildren, Travis and Aster. She had many beloved friends and family in California and on the east coast. She was an avid follower of politics with a continued interest in education. She loved colorful jewelry, country music, and Christmas.

A memorial service was held in her memory at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge on Friday, August 16 at 2 pm. There will be a chapel service in her memory at the Old Post Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, January 16 at 3pm. Inurnment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Foundation in memory of Jane. A link is provided below.