Jean Vendig House

Jean was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 19, 1926. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morales D. and Verna F. Vendig, her mother-in-law Maude M. House, her loving husband William J. House, of Hampton, VA and her sister Irene V. Smith and brother-in-law Warren M. Smith Jr. of Carney’s Point, NJ. She is survived by her loving son Steven House of San Francisco, CA, her loving daughter Karen V. House of Hampton, VA, her daughter-in-law Cathi House of San Francisco, CA, her grandsons Justin M. Kennedy of Hampton, VA, William A. Keel of Blacksburg, VA, her step grandson, Jason A. Keel of San Francisco, CA, as well as her niece and namesake Jean V. Smith of Media, PA and nephew Glenn M. Smith of Charlotte, NC.

Jean led a very full and happy life. As a child she skipped the second grade, later serving as a second grade teacher at Armstrong Elementary School in Hampton, with students from that time remembering and visiting her well into her later years. After graduating from high school at the age of 16 she studied fashion design and illustration at the Berte School of Design and was a prominent illustrator and fashion model. She met her future husband, William J. House, at a dance in Wilmington, North Carolina; they married in Philadelphia on December 29,1947 and shared 53 loving years together in Hampton. Together they loved boating on the Chesapeake Bay, water skiing, dancing, snow skiing, swimming in their pool, taking family vacations, and traveling the world. They were also well known for hosting many fun themed parties at their home. She is still remembered by the local children for her elaborate decorations at Halloween and for biking and roller-skating through the neighborhood.

Jean spent most of her life as a devout Christian, was an active volunteer for the CBN: Christian Broadcasting Network and ICM: International Cooperating Ministries and created a place of refuge, restoration and hope in her home for troubled young women called Fig Tree Haven. There was one special young lady, Maryna VanderJagt from the Ukraine, who Jean fostered for seven years, and who remained a devoted friend throughout Jean’s life. Over the years Jean was affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Hidenwood Presbyterian Church in Newport News, Langley AFB Chapel in Hampton and the Centurion Interdenominational Church in Fort Monroe. She authored two books, “Weight on the Lord” and “Scripture Rhymes for Modern Times,” hosted a radio program “Voice in the Wilderness” which was broadcast all over the world, and choreographed a Christmas passion play “No Room at the Inn” with live animals and rotating actors from local churches telling the story about the birth of Jesus.

Jean lived her life to be a blessing to others and counted her own blessings daily, her heart always filled with gratitude. Those who knew her remember how she gave herself freely and joyfully as a mentor, teacher and extended family, helping them grow in love for the Lord, showing them what faith looks like in everyday life through prayer, gratitude, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by her family and those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through those whose lives she touched.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” for Jean at the Centurion Interdenominational Church in Fort Monroe at a future date in 2026. Final arrangements are being made at the Parklawn Wood Funeral Home in Hampton. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to ICM: International Cooperating Ministries in Newport News, VA in Jean’s memory.