Jean Frances Waller

Mrs. Jean Frances Jones Waller, 87, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and cherished member of her family.

Jean was born on February 18, 1939, in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, the youngest of six children of Eliza Tootle Jones and James Jones. She grew up on her family's farm alongside her siblings Morris, Hilda, Alfreda, Ethel, and James Douglas. She attended Norfleet Elementary School through eighth grade before going on to Brawley High School, where she graduated in 1956. It was at Brawley that Jean's love of basketball flourished - making the team in her very first year was one of her most cherished memories. At the age of 12, she was baptized and joined Kehukie Baptist Church in Scotland Neck, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend C. C. Clark.

Mrs. Waller dedicated many years of service as an Administrative Assistant at Mary Munford Elementary School within Richmond Public Schools. A woman of deep faith, she also served with distinction as a Deaconess at Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, a role that reflected her lifelong commitment to God and community.

Jean J. Waller was very loving, patient, kind, and witty. She loved family and would help host family gatherings and reunions. She also loved to chat and laugh with her siblings and girlfriends. Her family delighted in her cooking, and she was also skilled at sewing and gardening. Her athletic talents were not limited to basketball. She along with her husband, were avid bowlers and garnered trophies. She was an amazing woman.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Mr. Richard Waller Jr.; her sons, Mr. Richard Waller II and Mr. David Waller, who lovingly served as his mother's caretaker; her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Kim Waller; her grandchild, Mr. Richard Waller IV; her sisters-in-law, Joyce, Jewel, and Betty; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue where the family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00am, at Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1408 W. Leigh Street, where the remains will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral time. Dr. Alonza Lawrence, Officiant. Interment, Riverview Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 10:45am on Saturday.