Jean Nelson Gibbons

Jean Gray Nelson Gibbons, of Varina, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2015. She was born on October 12, 1931, and is survived by her husband, Richard G. Gibbons with whom she was blessed with more than fifty years of marriage. She has two daughters, Amy C. Humphreys and her husband Benjamin R. Humphreys, Jr., and Julie G. Summs and her husband William J. Summs. She is also survived by two grandsons, Benjamin R. Humphreys III (Beau) and William R. Humphreys. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Wasicki. As a child, Jean had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which left her with limited mobility requiring the use of crutches. This did not prevent her from assuming active leadership roles in community work. She led the effort to have Route 5 designated a Virginia Scenic Byway. Jean was appointed to lead the Henrico County Bicentennial Commission serving as its Chairman for 11 years. She was a founder and life member of the Henrico County Historical Society. She was chosen by the Democratic Party to run for District Supervisor. Jean helped establish and served on the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Alumni Board. She was chosen by the Virginia District of Pilot Club International as Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year in 1984 and was nominated for National Professional Handicapped Person in that same year. These and many other accomplishments were typical of her determination and strong will to persevere. Jean had great faith and was a long time member and deacon at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond. Her remains rest at Nelsen Funeral Home, Laburnum Avenue Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on May 29th. On May 30th, interment will take place at Four Mile Creek Baptist Church at 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service to be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, to Four Mile Creek Baptist Church or to the VCU Foundation in memory of Jean Gibbons – designated School of the Arts Scholarship.