Jean Hogge Shackelford

Jean Elizabeth Hogge Shackelford, at the vibrant age of 95 years, with family holding her hands, crossed from this world into Glory, Rejoicing with the great Choir of Saints in the nearer presence of her Lord Jesus on the evening of January 6th, 2025! Although her physical body had weakened, Jean lived every day to her last – not surprisingly – with a full heart, a clear mind, and total purpose! Characterized by her radiant smile, classic style, and non-stop daily activities, she was a true Role Model to so many of her new and dear friends at Westminster Canterbury – especially the 12th Floor Girls and her dear Flower Pals!
Born on July 3, 1929, Jean was a native of Perrin in Gloucester County, Virginia - the only daughter to the late Zennie Robins and Otis Hogge. Her childhood was filled with joyful memories of days shared with numerous First Cousins, close neighbors, and classmates at Achilles High School. Pursuing her passion for Music and Teaching, Jean received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Longwood University in 1950 and a Master of Education from The College of William & Mary in 1967.
Jean married her College Sweetheart, James Earl Shackelford, on the lawn of her home on the Perrin River on July 3, 1950. The Newlyweds moved directly to Portsmouth, where they began their successful careers, and Jean remained there for 71 amazing years! Her first of many memorable roles with Portsmouth Schools was as a teacher for 6.5 years at John Tyler Elementary School and as acting principal for a short time before maternity leave. Their daughter, Rhonda, was born in May of 1957, and Jean taught Piano at home while Rhonda was young.
Jean Shackelford went on to share 35 years of dedicated Service with the Portsmouth Public Schools, but her Legacy extends well beyond that time – inspiring countless Students and investing her time and Passion for Music and the Arts with Decades of Successful Teachers through her Administrative Leadership. Her friendships with her Choral Family are woven into her heart!
This dedication was carried into the community through many local and statewide endeavors for the Arts and Humanities. During the historic Portsmouth Bicentennial, she was the school's Chair for all related events, programs, and pageantry. One of Jean's fondest Lifetime memories came in 1982, at the request of School Superintendent Dr. M. E. Alford, to establish (along with colleagues Bill Griggs, Bruce Frazier, and Olga Morales) The Gifted and Talented, "Able & Ambitious Musical Theater Program". These Annual Productions instilled a Lifelong Passion for Music in the 250 Area-wide Students, K-12, and their Parents- many of whom went on to pursue Choral Music/Theatre in College. This endeavor catapulted a new curriculum for a highly comprehensive music instructional program in the schools.
Jean also treasured the opportunity to serve on the Founding Board of the Governors School for the Arts, to which she encouraged so many talented students from Portsmouth Schools to Apply. Her 20 Years with VMEA brought lifetime friendships across the State and offered travel events for many of her Choral Students. The VMEA presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Service Award.
Longwood University also presented Jean with the "Distinguished Alumni Award" twice, and she served as Advisor to the Music Department for numerous years at the Governor's request. I was honored to serve as President for multiple years and on the Board of Portsmouth Community Concerts, Inc., which brought incredible outside Music talent to the city.
Jean also served on the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission and cherished her decades of involvement with the SeaWall Art Show every August-even this past year. Among her greatest Joys was her 33 Years of involvement with Young Audiences of Virginia! She served on the Board of Directors for numerous years and as President. She loved Young Audiences' creative offerings annually to involve children in the Arts.
In 1989, Jean Retired and took on a new Passion- serving for 11 Years as the Legislative Liaison at the General Assembly in cooperative service with the State Dept of Education. During this time, she established the Va. Coalition for Arts Education that exists today to advocate for The Arts across the Commonwealth. She returned home to become an elected Member of the Portsmouth School Board for 8 Years and refocused her lifelong Passions for Gardening and singing in the Choir with her many friends at Churchland Baptist Church, where she has been a member for over 65 years. She has also loved attending Galilee Church recently and enjoyed the liturgy and music. In addition to her incredible Family and her Grandchildren and Great Grands, Jean's passion for Gardening has brought total JOY to her life. Her love for Flowers and arranging is second to the Friendships she has made through The Elizabeth River Garden Club and the Westminster Canterbury Flower Guild.
Before and beyond every accomplishment, award, and recognition is Jean's Passionate Love of her Family. She left her home in Sterling Point to be closer to her Children, and everyone who talks to Jean first hears the list of all her "Grands" are doing! It is always a stream of Joy and Pride! Jean Shackelford is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Byrd, and her son-in-law whom she adored, Mark E. Byrd; 2 Grandchildren - Ross E Byrd and wife, Hannah; and Caroline Byrd Dozier and husband, Blake; and 8 great grandchildren – Ila Grace, Susannah, Samuel and Isaiah Byrd; and Luke &Virginia (twins), Annabelle and David Dozier. One First Cousin and a Double First Cousin, Mildred G. Hogge, remain devoted friends. In addition, close Gloucester Family from both the Shackelford and Hogge sides were dear to her heart.
Jean was predeceased by her kind and loving husband, James Earl Shackelford, as well as both Maternal and Paternal Parents.
Jean and her family appreciate the care she has been given over the past few months. Dr. Dana Buchanan -Melissa, Jennifer, and Amanda- with the Dedicated Care Center have been a true Blessing, as has Dr. Agha with Sentara Nephology. Also, the WC nurses, Lindsey and Stephanie, and caretakers, Brent and Cindy, to name a few. Bless you all for your loving kindness.
A Service celebrating Jean's Life of Music and Memory will be held this Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Churchland Baptist Church, 3031 Churchland Blvd, Chesapeake, Va. 23321. There will be a Visitation at 1:30 p.m. at the Church, and the Funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. A brief Burial Service for the Family will occur after the service in the Church Cemetery. A Reception will follow the service in the Church Social Hall. Memorial Contributions may be given to the Elizabeth River Garden Club, PO Box 7923, Portsmouth, VA 23707-0923 the Churchland Baptist Music Memorial Fund, or a charity of your choice-services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.