November 27, 1932 – July 22, 2022
Mrs. Jean C. Birdsong, “Grandma Jean”, age 89, of 10 Spring Court, (formerly of 20324 College Park Avenue Ettrick, VA), suddenly departed this life on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 2:30 A.M. at Bon Secours Southside Regional Medical Center.
Jean was born November 27, 1932 to the late Leola and Daniel Crawley. She attended Nottoway Training School in 1949. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Virginia State College (University). Mrs. Birdsong worked in the educational profession for 42 years, spending 30 years with the Hopewell Public School System, retiring in 1991.
Jean was baptized at Mt. Zion R.Z.A.U. Church in Blackstone, VA. In the early 1960, she moved to Petersburg VA, joining First Baptist Church-Harrison Street.
She was involved in several civic and social clubs to include: the National Education Association, Las Amigas, Hopewell Retired Teachers Association, Bethune Chapter #224 Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliate of Blackstone, VA, Ettrick Ladies Civic and Social Club, CAPAAMMD, and U.S. Camping Club.
Mrs. Birdsong had several hobbies in which enjoyed, gardening, making homemade wine, helping grandchildren with art projects, sewing, camping and interacting with friends but must of all she enjoyed “Robert” and her music.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Birdsong, Sr; grandchildren, Eboni Birdsong and Tyrell Fields; her dear and devoted college friends, Julia Butler, Contance Wynn and Arlethia Elliott.
Jean leaves to cherish her memories to her children, Elaine B. Gorns (Donald), Robin Birdsong, Wanda Birdsong, Robert Birdsong, Jr. (Tammy) and Cathy Birdsong-Walton; grandchildren, LaShan Birdsong, Rika Thompson (Ricardo), Nicole Fields (Lorenzo), Jervon Walton, Nikiya Collier (Damonte), Robert L. Birdsong III (Winta), Jessica Hollomon, and Kayla Birdsong; great grandchildren, Ricardo Thompson, Jr., Shaquetta Fields, Precious Moore (Sean), Nigea Turner, Tevin Thompson, Desmond Fields, Mekhi Birdsong, Ariana, Anaia and Amir Birdsong, Jada and Janae Thompson, Dawsyn and Devyn Collier; great-great grandchildren, Cameron, Carmen, Carson, Ariel, and London Thompson, Chayse Bonner, Sean Moore and Jakayla Pride; one surviving paternal cousin, Delores Hyman; sister-in-law, Ruth Birdsong-King (Thomas) and Charles Birdsong (Annette); devoted friends, the entire College Park Community; and a host other relatives and friends.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 30, 2022 at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.