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Jane GIVENS Obituary
She was the wife of the late Otho O. Givens and is survived by three sons, Martin Givens of Newport News, David Givens of Stafford, Va., and Steve Givens of Newport News; a brother, Montague L. Martin of Yorktown; one brother-in-law, Rouzee Givens and his wife, Madaline of Newport News; one granddaughter, Sherri Givens Mylott of Radford, Va.; five great-grandchildren; two stepgrandsons; three step-great-grandsons; and two step-great-granddaughters; five nieces and four nephews.
Mrs. Givens was a huge advocate for community service. As a volunteer at Riverside Hospital for 28 years, she served in various local, regional and statewide hospital auxiliary leadership positions, including President of Virginia Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (VAHA) during 1978-1980.
In 1991, she volunteered at the Virginia Living Museum. In 1992, she began her 17-year association as a volunteer at The Mariners' Museum working in the gift shop, library and most recently, the marketing department.
In 2009, she lent her time and support to Robin Abbott's successful campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 93rd District.
The greatest thing that can be said of a soul who is no longer with us in body is that they made a positive contribution to the world by unselfishly giving of themselves to help others. Jane Martin Givens certainly accomplished that in full measure.
Visitation will be at Peninsula Funeral Home on Friday, July 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, in the Hilton Christian Church sanctuary, 100 James River Drive, Newport News, VA 23601, followed by a reception in the church's Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jane M. Givens to the Hilton Christian Church Memorial Fund, 100 James River Drive, Newport News, VA 23601. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jane GIVENS
Mo Mowry
July 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jane was one of my favorite people.
Vergil & Jan Givens
July 25, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Jane's passing. We will always remember her friendliness and gracious hospitality during our visits. To her extended family we send our heartfelt condolences and wish them peace and comfort in recalling a life so well lived.
Barbara Mull (Borchers)
July 20, 2010
Steve,
My deepest condolences to your entire family. Your presence by your mother's side will be one that will help heal your heart; the memories will will be with you forever.
May God be with you all.
Beth Akers
July 20, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was definately one of a kind in the short time I knew her. You all are in my thoughts.
Andrew Lorensen
July 19, 2010
It was always nice of her to think of me when she needed something fixed or worked on around, or in the house. The way she played games at game night at the church always made it interesting, but she did try to learn some of the new games (and even won). One sharp and amazing lady! She will be missed in many ways.
Jay Musser
July 19, 2010
What a lovely service for such a lovely lady. Jane was more than special and even more than unique. She was an authentic one-of-a-kind. We had the most fun together working the hot dog stand at the annual Yard Sale. I fixed and hawked the dogs and Jane got the cash. We worked well together. I'll certainly miss her 'what you see is what you get' personality. I loved her.
July 19, 2010
Although she touched my life briefly, she touched it deeply. What a luminous lovely lady.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Steve, David and Martin and families.
Charlotte Donovan, R.N.
Essen, Germany
Owen Bolton
July 18, 2010
The world is a little bit dimmer without her in it. May she rest in peace.
July 17, 2010
Steve, our deepest sympathy to you and all the family. We are at son Craig's house this weekend, go home to Ohio Monday early. Again deepest sympathy. C.S. and Nathalie Givens, Craig and Debi Givens, Diane Rich and Kevin Dunkelberger
Jane Garrett Marshall
July 17, 2010
A FRIEND FOR ALL TIMES
Eulogy for Jane Martin Given
Hilton Christian Church
July 17, 2010
By
Jane Garrett Marshall
Read by
Gina Stump
It was a sad but jubilant time – like pioneers in covered wagons we departed our home, First Christian Church, 30th Street, Newport News. Down the road, closer to home, was our new church, Hilton Christian. We had no church building, which made me an 8th grader feel rather strange. A church with no stained glass windows and no organ didn’t seem quite like a church but it didn’t seem to matter. People filled up the Hilton Village Women’s Club building every Sunday. It was such a jovial atmosphere.
Everyone missed our organist Mrs. Ruth Meanly who made hymns both joyful and sacred. I was quite stunned when a woman I didn’t know, Jane Givens, asked my mother if her daughter Jane would play the piano for the church service. ME? I was horrified; mother elated. No one could come close to matching the spirited zing Ruth Meanly zipped into hymns. Nudged by mother I practiced and practiced. I somehow managed to get through the Sundays I played the piano. I was quite relieved when a permanent pianist was found.
Jane and her husband Otto Givens presented me with a hymnal. Inside the cover, Jane wrote: “In appreciation for your service to Hilton Christian Church. Jane & Otto Givens. It was the first time adults recognized me and expressed their gratitude with a gift. Thereafter, I felt a closer bond to the Givens family and a connection with our church.
Our CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) was small. Jane always thanked me for calling Martin with reminders of our get-togethers. I wasn’t sure he always appreciated my pestering calls, but Jane surely did! Our youth group had lots of fun, especially at camp with director Eddie Meanly.
Through the years I observed active women in the church. Jane was in the forefront. Like my father, you might not always agree with her but you knew where she stood. It was an eye-opening time when issues were being raised as to the “place” of women in the church. Pro-active women like Jane Givens conveyed to church youth a clear message – women had value and would be heard.
After my father died, mother called on the Givens family. Otto, the gentlest, kindest man, repaired the wood garage framework mother shattered several times while backing out. Jane always said, “Otto loved to help people.” That was the Givens family mantra.
Jane, modeled for her children, the meaning of being a friend. I always knew I could count on Steve to take pictures at events and just be a friend I could connect with when I came home. His grandfather was my father’s youth leader. His cousin Joanne, a perky high school cheerleader, was in my geography class when I taught at Warwick High School. There was bond, which seemed to connect and hold us together. That bond was Hilton Christian Church.
The Garrett family sensed they could call on the Givens, if need be. That time came when mother’s automobile accident took her life. It was Jane Given, a Riverside Hospital Volunteer and foremost a church family friend who sat comforting my sisters Val and Anne C. until nigh on midnight waiting for my arrival. Miles away I called Patsy Murphy hoping she’d say it wasn’t true. But, it was.
The days that followed were the worst ones in my life. I sobbed when I discovered in a basket an afghan mother started crocheting but had not finished. It was Jane Givens and Eleanor Bessom who finished that afghan, which was donated to the Women’s Christian Fellowship for a fund-raiser. My high bid insured the act of love performed by Jane & Eleanor would remain in our family. Now I cuddle up with that afghan knowing mother’s hands and hands of two special churchwomen, Eleanor Bessom and Jane Givens, touched the threads. Our lives are forever woven together.
From the pioneering charter years to the present, Jane Givens has always been a Hilton Christian Church leader who reached out to serve. My last memory was just that. My sister Anne C. and I were at Hilton Christian May 2nd when mother’s dear friend Cora LaPrade fell. Who went back to drive her car home for her? Why, of course, Jane Givens and her son Steve.
My own mother, Bessie Garrett, taught her three daughters to “leave things better than you find it.” We are drawn to people who live that message.
Jane Givens, born to serve, leaves a legacy for her sons and friends touched by her life. She left things better than she found them. So too may we.
David, Martin and Steve, I hope you find comfort in knowing that your lives honor your parents. May you rejoice in their good works and celebrate your memories of parents whose lives reflected their faith. Your father and mother were truly friends for all times.
With Love,
Jane Garrett Marshall
A FRIEND FOR ALL TIMES
Eulogy for Jane Martin Given
Hilton Christian Church
July 17, 2010
By
Jane Garrett Marshall
Read by
Gina Stump
It was a sad but jubilant time – like pioneers in covered wagons we departed our home, First Christian Church, 30th Street, Newport News. Down the road, closer to home, was our new church, Hilton Christian. We had no church building, which made me an 8th grader feel rather strange. A church with no stained glass windows and no organ didn’t seem quite like a church but it didn’t seem to matter. People filled up the Hilton Village Women’s Club building every Sunday. It was such a jovial atmosphere.
Everyone missed our organist Mrs. Ruth Meanly who made hymns both joyful and sacred. I was quite stunned when a woman I didn’t know, Jane Givens, asked my mother if her daughter Jane would play the piano for the church service. ME? I was horrified; mother elated. No one could come close to matching the spirited zing Ruth Meanly zipped into hymns. Nudged by mother I practiced and practiced. I somehow managed to get through the Sundays I played the piano. I was quite relieved when a permanent pianist was found.
Jane and her husband Otto Givens presented me with a hymnal. Inside the cover, Jane wrote: “In appreciation for your service to Hilton Christian Church. Jane & Otto Givens. It was the first time adults recognized me and expressed their gratitude with a gift. Thereafter, I felt a closer bond to the Givens family and a connection with our church.
Our CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) was small. Jane always thanked me for calling Martin with reminders of our get-togethers. I wasn’t sure he always appreciated my pestering calls, but Jane surely did! Our youth group had lots of fun, especially at camp with director Eddie Meanly.
Through the years I observed active women in the church. Jane was in the forefront. Like my father, you might not always agree with her but you knew where she stood. It was an eye-opening time when issues were being raised as to the “place” of women in the church. Pro-active women like Jane Givens conveyed to church youth a clear message – women had value and would be heard.
After my father died, mother called on the Givens family. Otto, the gentlest, kindest man, repaired the wood garage framework mother shattered several times while backing out. Jane always said, “Otto loved to help people.” That was the Givens family mantra.
Jane, modeled for her children, the meaning of being a friend. I always knew I could count on Steve to take pictures at events and just be a friend I could connect with when I came home. His grandfather was my father’s youth leader. His cousin Joanne, a perky high school cheerleader, was in my geography class when I taught at Warwick High School. There was bond, which seemed to connect and hold us together. That bond was Hilton Christian Church.
The Garrett family sensed they could call on the Givens, if need be. That time came when mother’s automobile accident took her life. It was Jane Given, a Riverside Hospital Volunteer and foremost a church family friend who sat comforting my sisters Val and Anne C. until nigh on midnight waiting for my arrival. Miles away I called Patsy Murphy hoping she’d say it wasn’t true. But, it was.
The days that followed were the worst ones in my life. I sobbed when I discovered in a basket an afghan mother started crocheting but had not finished. It was Jane Givens and Eleanor Bessom who finished that afghan, which was donated to the Women’s Christian Fellowship for a fund-raiser. My high bid insured the act of love performed by Jane & Eleanor would remain in our family. Now I cuddle up with that afghan knowing mother’s hands and hands of two special churchwomen, Eleanor Bessom and Jane Givens, touched the threads. Our lives are forever woven together.
From the pioneering charter years to the present, Jane Givens has always been a Hilton Christian Church leader who reached out to serve. My last memory was just that. My sister Anne C. and I were at Hilton Christian May 2nd when mother’s dear friend Cora LaPrade fell. Who went back to drive her car home for her? Why, of course, Jane Givens and her son Steve.
My own mother, Bessie Garrett, taught her three daughters to “leave things better than you find it.” We are drawn to people who live that message.
Jane Givens, born to serve, leaves a legacy for her sons and friends touched by her life. She left things better than she found them. So too may we.
David, Martin and Steve, I hope you find comfort in knowing that your lives honor your parents. May you rejoice in their good works and celebrate your memories of parents whose lives reflected their faith. Your father and mother were truly friends for all times.
With Love,
Jane Garrett Marshall
July 16, 2010
Steve, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Beth Warrick (Summerville, S.C.)
Bill & Debbie Vaccarelli & Staff, Danny's Deli
July 16, 2010
Steve and family: You are in the hearts and prayers of all your friends at the Deli. We will really miss your Mom.
Laura Baker
July 15, 2010
David, Steve, Martin. The Texas group of the family is so sorry for your loss. I remember Otho and Jane as great loved ones. Laura (Kyle) Baker
Michael Barber
July 15, 2010
Dear Steve, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I know how close you were and how much you loved and admired her. I know that it is a huge comfort to know that she is in God's care. Please know that my sincerest sympahty is with you and your family, Michael Barber+
Grace McKay
July 15, 2010
Dear David,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You spoke of your mother so often, I almost feel as if I knew her. You'll be in my thoughts during the difficult days ahead. Please extend my condolences to your family.
Fondly,
Grace
Harriette Hoagland
July 15, 2010
Steve,
Peggy and I were so sad to hear of your mother's passing. What a great woman she was and what a wonderful legacy she left behind. We have great memories of the times we talked with her about your photography talents. She was such a proud Mom.
Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during the difficult days ahead.
Harriette Hoagland
Peggy Tighe
JANE GIVENS
July 15, 2010
MY THANKS TO ALL THAT INTERACTED IN MY MOTHERS LIFE, EACH OF YOU WERE SPECIAL IN HER EYES. TO HER SONS SHE HAS LEFT BEHIND WHAT STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION MEANS WHEN YOU ATTEMPT ANYTHING. GOD HAS GAINED A SERVANT THAT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE AND A WILL TO DO THE RIGHT THING. A STRONG LEADER, DETERMINED WORKER AND NOT LEAST OF ALL A GREAT MOTHER. MOM YOU WILL ALWAYS BE CARRIED IN OUR HEARTS, THOUGH YOU WILL NOT BE HERE FOR US, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS CARING.
YOUR LOVING SON, MARTIN
Scott and Patti Blackwell
July 14, 2010
David, Steve and Martin our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
The Rev Katherine Gray
July 14, 2010
Jane was a great lady, and provided leadership and vision for the Riverside Hospital Auxiliary for years and years. Her work with the Gift Shop was unprecedented. I was always glad to see her, and will miss her. Well done, good and faithful servant, well done...
July 14, 2010
Dear Steve, Martin & David - Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Mother. Jane was such a beautiful lady who always had a kind word and a loving hug for me. I know you will miss her terribly. May the Lord give you strength at this most difficult time. God Bless you. Love, Gina D. Stump
Mo Mowry
July 14, 2010
Steve, Martin & David,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jane was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She was always one of my favorite people. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Barbara Ramos
July 13, 2010
Steve, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. I so enjoyed the few times I spent with your mother. She really had a lust for living and I know you all will miss her greatly.
July 13, 2010
Steve, Martin & David, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I loved your mother and will miss her dearly
Ida Finifter
Mark Riva
July 13, 2010
Steve, Martin and David, please accept my condolences and deep sadness on the passing of your mother! Jane was a wonderful person that was full of wit and humor. Have peace in your hearts that now she is with Otho under Gods hands. Let me know if there is anything I can do....
Mark Riva and Family 24 Milford Rd
Mary Fugere
July 13, 2010
Steve, you and your loved ones are in my prayers. You have been tirelessly dedicated to your mother's positive thoughts, energy, comfort and peace. May God bless you and bring you the same comfort and peace in this time of sadness.
Mary Fugere
Sallie Grant-DiVenuti
July 13, 2010
Steve,
We are all thinking about you in this saddest of all times. It is very difficult to say goodbye to your parent's body at their death. You may take some comfort in the way I approached my mother's passing. I now think of her spiritually enveloping me through my day. When I need a little extra to see me through whatever seems to be going on, I think of her and her many words of wisdom and I am better. Perhaps this might help you through your time of loss.
July 13, 2010
Martin, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Billy and JoAnn Hudgins
July 13, 2010
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
May the God of peace be with you and your family and may you find comfort from His word.
Norma Williams (Sufflok, VA)
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