Thelma Jean Ripley

Jean Ripley, 75, went to be with her Lord on January 5, 2014, at Sentara Hospital, Williamsburg. She was born on June 5, 1938 in Caperton,West Virginia and was the oldest of six children born to Gus and Maciel Gibson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ruth Stewart. Jean is survived by her husband Otto C. Ripley of 56 years and her two daughters, Shirley Sulenski-Hughes (Bruce Hughes) and Sandra Ripley and her three grandchildren, Courtney Sulenski, Matthew Sulenski and Aaron Ripley. She will also be missed by her two sisters, Betty Kilford and Judie Grablewski (Ron), her two brothers, Gus Gibson (Debi) and Bobby Gibson, her 20 nieces and nephews, 39 great nieces and nephews and 16 great-great nieces and nephews. Jean was a 1957 graduate of James Blair High School and after her husband retired from the Air Force she decided to further her education by attending Thomas Nelson College where she received her paralegal degree and was a Claims Adjuster at Fort Eustis, then retired from Civil Service work after 25 years. Jean was passionate about expanding her knowledge in many directions; always a book open, a regular at one of the organizations that she was a member of, and traveling to new places. She was a Charter Member of Wellspring Methodist Church, a member of the Master Gardeners of Williamsburg, TOPS, Toast Masters, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Special Military Active-Retired Travel Club. She and her husband enjoyed years of travel with their RV Travel Club, and traveled extensively through Europe during his 20 years in the Air Force. A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at Wellspring Methodist Church on Thursday, January 9th at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Jean to Wellspring Methodist Church or to The American Breast Cancer Association.