Jean F. Gay

Jean Meredith Fowlkes Gay, 95, of Victoria, went to be with her Lord, on October 11, 2025. She was born on June 22, 1930, the daughter of Thomas Walton Fowlkes and Nellie Vernon Hardy Fowlkes. Jean was predeceased by her parents, her husband James Oscar Gay, a mechanical wizard and farmer, and by her young son James David Gay. Survivors include her daughter, Kristin Gay Windon; her grandson by marriage, Rich Windon and his wife Corry and their children Abby and Richie; her son, Thomas James Bennett and grandchildren Emily and David Bennett, David's wife Taylor; and two of her 28 first cousins: neighbor and special friend Anne Hamlett and her former pastor Earl "Bun" Pinchbeck; as well as one sister-in-law, Dorothy Hinson Gay; along with many nieces, nephews, and other more distant cousins. Among them is her special cousin Lucy "Cookie" Currin, who was so faithful with calls and treats over many years.

Jean served her community in many capacities over the years. She filled in for Ms. Pharo with Social Services, working for Mr. H. S. Morgan. She was the receptionist for Dr. Whaley. She was W. E. Neblett's secretary while he was the Commonwealth's Attorney. She was a clerk for the Virginian Railway, before she transferred to the Norfolk and Western when the Virginian merged with that line. She was a clerk for the US Postal Service in Lunenburg, retiring from the Victoria post office.

Jean was a member of the Meherrin Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, the Lunenburg County Historical Society, and a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 9954, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Jean was musically gifted; she was a member of several chorales and also played cello and violin in orchestral groups. Jean was the pianist for Northside Gospel Chapel and the Victoria Christian Church.

Jean will be remembered for her fierce love of her family and for her honesty. Jean loved and served the Lord all of her life. She leaves us with these words from the song, "No More Night:"
"No more night, no more pain; no more death, never crying again. Praises to the Great 'I AM.' We shall live in the light of the Risen Lamb."

Jean wanted everyone to remember that she won the Shirley Temple contest when she was 6 years old (her uncle - Clifton Bagley sponsored her).

Her daughter remembers her infamous saying about her casseroles, no matter what one tasted like: "Well, it's got good stuff in it!"

Special thanks to the Tuck family, Danny Lacks, Kevin Ashworth, to our relatives, friends, and neighbors for the cards, acts of care, and love shown - the list is very long. We love you and appreciate you. Jean was able to pass peacefully at home thanks to the loving care provided by the health care teams from Ascend Hospice and Comfort Keepers.

No service is planned per her request.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Victoria Christian Church, the Victoria Rescue Squad, or the Bible Broadcasting Network.