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BORN
1947
DIED
2024
Helen Gregory Obituary
February 13, 1947 - August 29, 2024
Helen Jean Winfrey Gregory, beloved wife of Ronald Alfred Gregory, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Jean was born in Richmond, VA, on February 13, 1947, to Thomas Edloe Winfrey and Kathryn Wilson Winfrey (nee McFarlane), both deceased.
She leaves behind her devoted brother, Donald Edloe Winfrey, his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Oates; and her nieces, Victoria Joan Winfrey, Cecelia Jeanne Winfrey, Dr. Olivia Kathryn Winfrey, her husband Dr. Karl Echiverri; and Jean's grandnephew, Dylan Henry Winfrey.
Don lives in Kentucky, and Jean always enjoyed Don's regular Sunday evening telephone calls. Despite her advancing Alzheimer's, talking with Don always lifted her spirits and left her in smiles. Jean also enjoyed our trips to Don's family homes, first in Boston and later in Lexington, KY.
Jean was very close to her brother-in-law, Steven Wayne Gregory; and her sister-in-law, Kathleen Yerby Gregory; her nephew, Steven Demarcus Gregory and his wife, Margaret; Jean's grandniece, Julia Gregory; her nephew, Shawn Steven Gregory, his wife, Chelsea, and their daughter, Riley.
One of the biggest delights in Jean's life was the time she spent with our family and friends, especially the Hughes family, our cousin, Brenda Hughes and her late husband, John, and their children, John (Jay) Hughes and his wife, Anne, and their children, Patricia (Tricia) Hughes Waller and her family, Theresa (Terri) Hughes Pritchard and her family; our cousin, Charles Gregory, his wife, Ethlyn and their daughter, Cassie MacMillan and family, Charles (Trey) Gregory and his wife, Jamie and family; and so many others. Wonderful memories of truly epic festive holiday gatherings over the years.
Jean grew up in Hanover County, VA, where her mother taught at Lee-Davis High School (now Mechanicsville H.S.) Her father was employed by the R.F. & P Railroad.
Education was very important to Jean. She earned a B.S. in biology from then Mary Washington College (now The University of Mary Washington) an M.S. in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an M.A. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia.
Jean's career was devoted to protecting Virginia's environment. She worked for 40 years with the Virginia Water Control Board, which later became the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. She led the Clean Lakes Program, set statewide water quality standards, and promulgated fish consumption advisories to protect public health.
For many years, Jean also taught environmental science to students in VCU's Urban Planning program as an Adjunct Professor, a role which she greatly enjoyed.
Jean was a member of the American Fisheries Society and the Ecological Society of America.
Jean had a soft spot for our dogs, especially the three rescues we adopted from shelters. She doted on them and enjoyed their daily walks through the neighborhood and in local parks.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for Jean. The time and location will be announced when plans are completed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Gregory
3 Entries
Charlie Morgsn
October 12, 2024
Hey Ron, This sad news has just reached me. Very sorry for your loss. You and Jean were a very close couple so this is tough.
I will always remember Jean in the early days of the SWCB when the two of us had a fisk kill call out on a fall Saturday in the Shenandoah valley.
Never found evidence of a FK but enjoyed the beautiful afternoon.
I wish you well my friend.
Charlie Morgan
Jim McNeal
September 25, 2024
Hi Ron. I´m so sorry to hear of your loss with Jean´s passing. If not for her telling me about an opening at the Water Control Board while I was in grad school, my whole life would have been very different. I always enjoyed working there with both of you. Take care.
Teresa Purves (Lewter)
September 24, 2024
Dear Ronnie,
I am so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I know this was a difficult and long struggle and for you as a caregiver as well. I remember Jean as such a sweet and pleasant lady when I would see her at Gregory get-togethers and parties. Please know that you, your family and Jean's family are in my thoughts and prayers during your time of loss.
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