Obituaries

Virginia Hall “Genny” Jones

Virginia Hall “Genny” Jones (1926-2022) was the third of four children born to Wingfield “Winnie” Hall and Clementine “Clemmie” Belvin of Guinea, Gloucester, Virginia.

Her beloved husband, Claude O’Brien Jones, Jr. died in 2008. Genny supported his career at Newport News Shipyard. Her son, Claude O’Brien Jones, III, and grandson, Claude O’Brien Jones, IV, survive.

Virginia loved her family, church, country, and friends. She was a “Red Hat Lady” at First Baptist Church in Newport News. She met with her Sunday school class and friends there to the end.

The CNU ladies’ basketball team made her the team mascot in recent years, and she loved attending games. She was a cheerleader in high school.

Her first employment was with the Children’s Clinic in Newport News. She retired as Director of Occupational Health at NASA after decades of service. She attended to some of our first astronauts and bravest pilots. One of them took her up in a T-38 jet. She cherished her role supporting America’s heroes.

Virginia was active to the end despite challenges thanks to her own joyful spirit, the loving and tender care of her medical team, and friends like Jane Stergin, Sophia Holmes, Joe and Faye Harrison, and too many others to mention. Her son and grandson thank you all.

Words can’t summarize 95 years of enthusiastic, humble, hard-headed, practical, and respectful living. Mom- we miss you! Condolence messages may be posted at www.peninsulafuneralhome.com.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Peninsula Funeral Home, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

 

11 Comments

  1. Kayla Rupp

    I grew up a few houses away from “Miss Virginia” and she would always be watching out for me and the other kids at the bus stop. I have really fond memories of her and “Mr. Joony” (as I called him), they were absolutely a fixture of my childhood and of the whole neighborhood. I’ll always remember Miss Virginia inviting me into her home on several occasions when my parents weren’t home from work yet and giving me a tour of all of her salt and pepper shakers. She was an uncommonly kind and warm person. I’m so very sorry to hear of her passing and wanted to send my condolences to her family.

  2. Joy Hayes

    Virginia was quite an amazing lady! I always admired and respected her. She was one of the most positive, loving, fun, Godly souls I’ve ever met. I loved her dearly. I will miss lady Virginia. ❤️

  3. Bobby and Sandy Faison

    Virginia Jones was the sweetest lady we know, very attentive to me in my visit to the Clinic at NASA, enjoyed seeing her many times at FBCN. PRAYERS FOR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

  4. Darlene Morey

    “Sister was my father in law Dean Morey’s cousin . She was a wonderful great loving person who I will cherish . I loved her and she always asked about us and our kids. She was always at all family events and we always told each other love ya. I will see you again !

  5. Jim and Marian Rupp

    Miss Virginia was our next door and later around the corner neighbor. Always such a kind and thoughtful amazing lady! Sincere condolences to her family.

  6. Marguerite Peck

    Virginia and I were good friends for a long time. We were sorority sisters and belonged to the Red Haters together.
    God gave her her wings to fly home.
    Fly high in heaven my dear friend & Rest In Peace.
    Love, your sister Marguerite
    God Bless ~ Ms. Virginia, family & friends.

  7. Terry, Beth, Jessica & Sam Rodgers

    Our sincere condolences to Brian, O’Brian and their family. Virginia and Juny were great friends to my mom and dad and Virginia was always there for my mom after dad passed. I still miss Juny, who took my son to his first batting cage, and will miss Virginia’s presence in our lives. Mom and Virginia worked at NASA and and were the best of friends for many, many decades. Virginia was as sharp as a nail and kept up with me and my family, and we always cherished the times we got together when we would pass through NN visiting family. She was the epitome of integrity and grounded in principle, yet kind in spirit and generous in support of family, friends, church, and community. She always found the good in others and the silver-lining in difficult situations. She (and Juny) helped me learn to think and live correctly for which I’ll always be thankful. As petite and small of physical stature as she was, she had a sparkling inner strength and overarching wisdom that transcended words. I hope her family’s loss is tempered by knowing she lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by loving friends and family that meant everything to her, and she is now back with Juny (and my mom and dad and all who went before us) in a far better place.

  8. Barbara F James

    I met Virginia later in life but I loved her instantly. She was quite the lady and I know she will be missed.

  9. Pat Biondolillo/Elmar Koldert

    The world has lost one of the most special women God ever created. Virginia had an inner strength that could be seen in everything she did. She loved life, her family, her faith and her friends. She was also one of the best bakers we have been blessed to know. I am lucky to have her pound cake recipe and will think of her being with me every time I make the cake. God Bless her and our sincere condolences to Brian and O’Brian .

  10. Pat Biondolillo/Elmar Koldert

    We lived across the street from both Virginia and Juny for several years. She had an inner strength that shown in everything she did. Virginia loved life, her family, her friends and her faith. She was also one of the best bakers we have ever been blessed to know. I have her pound cake recipe and will know she is with me every time I make it. The world is a sadder place, now that she is gone and we wish the best for Brian and O’Brian, she was so proud of you both.

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