Jean Higgins Squires

Jean H. Squires went to be with Jesus on Sunday, June 23, 2013. Jean was born on April 25, 1935 in Unicoi County (Flag Pond), TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Foy and Lennie Higgins. Jean was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She made family a priority and cherished the time spent with them, especially on holidays and Sunday evenings when the family gathered for food, fellowship, and fun.

Jean is survived by her husband of 59 years, George E. "Pete" Squires; daughters, Deborah S. Jones and husband, Steven, Carol S. Gratton and husband Mark; grandchildren, Travis, Nicholas, Casey, Faith Victoria Jones, and Christina Cornick. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Ethel Mae Squires, Jack and Barbara Squires, Thelma Benson of Kelly, NC, Carson and Stella Squires of Jacksonville, FL; a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a host of friends.

Jean attended grammar school in Flag Pond, TN. In the early 1950s her family moved to Newport News, VA. She attended and graduated from Warwick High School. She continued her education by attending night classes and correspondence courses. She enjoyed working with her high school reunion committee and attending each reunion. The Warwick High School Class of 1953 celebrated their 60th reunion on June 15, 2013.

Jean worked as a medical secretary for more than 25 years, retiring to join Pete traveling throughout Europe, the Holy Land, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal; in addition to 11 cruises to many islands, including Bermuda and the Bahamas.

She thoroughly enjoyed spending time at their house in Kelly, NC, furnishing and decorating the old "country" tradition. She was always pleased to have Pete's family and friends for dinner and to listen to their "wild" stores about growing up in Kelly.

Jean was very active in the Northampton Woman's Club, serving as the club president, in addition to other officer positions. She was a past member of the Peninsula and Tidewater President's Council, Tidewater District of Woman's Clubs. She received many recognitions and awards for outstanding work.

During the period her daughters were in elementary school, she served as president of the Parent and Teachers Association, being honored with a Lifetime Membership Award for her outstanding work.

Jean was a member of First Baptist Church, Newport News, for over 50 years, a member of the King's Daughters Sunday School class, serving in several officer positions. She was a member of the Swinging Singers Choir and Red Hatters. She was also a member of several other groups including Lady Shriners.

Jean loved sports and, along with her husband and her parents, attended most of the grandchildren's sporting events (baseball, field hockey, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball). She also enjoyed fishing and hunting with Pete, harvesting several deer and always catching the largest fish.

There are so many to thank, making it impossible to provide all the names. However, the family expresses their sincere gratitude to her First Baptist Church family, the staff of RAI (Fresenius Dialysis Center), 3319 W. Mercury Blvd., The Dialysis Center, Elizabethtown, NC, and the Riverside Regional Medical Center.

An extra special thanks to Dr. Ross and Dr. Seney; Ms. Deborah Woody; and staff at the Northampton Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center, Mike, Pam, and Jeff Harrison, Bryan Vickey, and Ms. Linda Perry for assisting Jean.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A Celebration of Jean's life will be held at First Baptist Church Newport News, 12716 Warwick Boulevard, by the Rev. Dennis Adams at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at the church immediately after the burial.

Pallbearers will be Mark Gratton, Travis Jones, Nicholas Jones, Casey Jones, Mike Harrison, Jeff Harrison, and honorary pallbearer, Steven Jones.

Jean requested that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Boulevard, Suite 102A, Newport News, VA 23606 and to the First Baptist Church Newport News Building Fund.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.