Jean Nelson Seymour

Emma Jean Nelson was born on July 8, 1934, in Asheboro, North Carolina, to Seth Garfield Nelson Sr. and Ethel Wallace Nelson. During World War II, the Nelson family relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where Jean attended Copeland Park Elementary School and first met Linwood Ellis Seymour. Jean and Linwood later attended Wythe Junior High School together and both graduated from Hampton High School in 1952.

Jean attended Mars Hill University, then known as Mars Hill College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in Secretarial Science. She and Linwood were married in 1957 at Copeland Park Baptist Church.

Jean devoted much of her career to Hampton City Schools, serving in various schools and positions, including teaching first grade at Langley Elementary School. After stepping away from teaching to raise her children, she returned to work in 1976. For the last two decades of her career, Jean worked in Library Services for the school division. She loved working with students and was instrumental in helping Spratley Middle School adapt to the automation and technological changes of the time. Jean retired from full-time service in 1999 and continued working part-time for several more years.

In retirement, Jean enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her beloved mother, Ethel Nelson. She loved going to the movies, reading, and listening to music. In recent years, as Jean’s health declined, Linwood lovingly became her caregiver until his own health began to fail.

Jean was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Linwood, who passed away one year earlier on May 8, 2025, as well as by her parents, Seth G. Nelson Sr. and Ethel W. Nelson.

She is survived by her son, L. Scott Seymour (Carol); her daughter, Kimberly S. Powell; four grandchildren, Megan Powell, Jennifer Powell, Taylor Seymour, and Thomas Seymour; and two great-granddaughters, Rylie Lynn and Lilie Eileen.

A private memorial service will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Visiting Angels Senior Home Care for their compassionate support and care.