Jean Oliver Heywood, 95, entered her eternal home on Monday, August 11, 2025. Jean was born to Jones L. and Ada Riley Oliver on September 8, 1929 in Richmond, Va. She grew up in Wicomico’s close-knit and loving community, where her dad owned a general store. Jean spent the hours after school at the general store and often shared that it was the reason she never learned homemaking skills. Jean graduated from Achilles High School in 1946 and Longwood College (now University) in 1950. She taught at elementary schools in Chester, Newport News, York, and Gloucester County for a total of 34 years. Jean was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, where she served as church organist for many years and was an active member of the Mary Lotsey Sunday School class. She was also active in United Methodist Women at the local and district level. Jean was a member of the York River Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons as well as the Abingdon Junior and Senior Woman’s Clubs. She spent countless hours volunteering at local elementary schools, the Boys and Girls Club, the Watermen’s Museum, and Walter Reed Convalescent Center. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Amy Ceceille, and her husband, Carlton W. Heywood. Jean is survived by her daughter, Wendy Hogge (Billy Wayne), and her granddaughter, Amy Thomas (John), who affectionately called her grandmother “Sido.” When asked how she got that name, Jean replied, “I guess it’s better than Fido.” Jean is also survived by two precious great-grandsons, Brandon Isaac and Parker Heywood, as well as Janpanit Surasin, a Thai exchange student who lived with the Heywoods from 1971-1972. Pastor John Choi and Elder Charlotte Kelly will conduct a funeral service at Bethany United Methodist Church, Gloucester Point, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, and a reception will follow immediately after the burial. The family asks that you consider memorial tributes to the York River Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons, c/o Louise Klebitz, 1720 Laurel Drive, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062, or Bethany United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 527, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062 or Gloucester Retired Educators Association, Attn: Wylonna Harris, P.O. Box 221, Hayes, Va. 23072. Jean’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Commonwealth Senior Living—Gloucester House staff and residents, who have lovingly cared for Jean for the past 11 years.

Services are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.