Jean A. Shivel

April 13, 2020
Jean A. Shivel

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Jean Shivel, a long-time resident of Williamsburg, died of a stroke at Brookdale Chambrel, 13 April 2020. She was 94.

Jean was born in South Carolina, the only child of Eugenia Adams, a school teacher, and Gary Paschal, an attorney. She grew up in Columbia and in 1941 she was the sponsor of the USS Columbia, a US Navy light cruiser, named for her home city. She attended the University of South Carolina but left her studies to marry Lt. Glen Shivel in 1943.

Jean and Glen’s early married life took them to postings in Japan, Hawaii, and California.  She retained a life-long affinity to Pacific cultures. The family settled in Virginia in the 1960s and moved to Williamsburg in 1967. Jean joined St. Stephen Lutheran Church and served on many committees there over 50 years membership.

She had a life-long interest in history, houses and gardens, reading, family and friends. She was a member of the Williamsburg Garden Club of Virginia and enjoyed assisting in its many activities especially the Spring Historic Garden Week. She supported and enjoyed the Williamsburg Public Library and took part in community childhood reading programs. She volunteered at the 21st Century Gallery when it was still the 20th Century Gallery!

She is survived by 2 children: Jan Shivel who lives in Great Britain and Gary Shivel who lives in Spain, 5 grandsons, and 4 great grandchildren. Another son Dr. Glen Shivel died in 2006.

The family hopes to hold a memorial service later in the year. Notice will be given closer to the time. Online condolences may be posted via Bucktrout Funeral Home, Williamsburg, bucktroutfuneralhome.net.

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  • April 24, 2020
    Laura & Audra Cote' says:
    Dear Jan, Gary and family - we have fond memories of your Mother when she lived next door to us on Burns Lane. Making her tea, toasted sandwiches and listening to her stories of her life. I remember the first time we met her, it was after one of the hurricanes and we had no power and were just moving into 312 Burns Lane. She had an instant impact on my daughter, Audra, who thought she was such an interesting lady and loved the way she spoke. We are sorry for your loss and we hope all is well with your families. Please try and get in touch with us as we have tried many times to find you in Spain and Wales. Laura, Randy & Audra Cote'

  • April 30, 2020
    Thomas Landvogt says:
    Dear Jan, Gary, and Family, When my Mother (Sonja Landvogt) moved from Florida to Williamsburg in December of 2000, she became at parishioner at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. It was there that she and met Jean. Soon thereafter, Mom and Jean became good friends, enjoying lunches and conversations on a regular basis until Mom passed in 2018. We have fond memories of the times Jean and Sonja spent together. On behalf of the Landvogt family, I thank Jean for the wonderful Christian fellowship she extended to our Mother. We send our deepest sympathies to you during this time of sorrow and fond remembrance..

  • April 30, 2020
    Kathleen Ehrhart says:
    Jean Shivel was a dear friend of my mother, Sonja Landvogt, for many years. I had the privilege of visiting Jean, with my mom, in her lovely home one lovely summer day. We had a delightful lunch and enjoyed our conversations immensely. Jean was an intelligent and caring woman, admired by many. She lived a full and extraordinary life. I send my sympathies to her family. May she rest in peace in the light of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  • May 10, 2020
    Marcia Munn says:
    Jan and Gary - My husband Tom and I and my wonderful mom Liz, had the honor of getting to know Joan when she lived in Memory Care at Brookdale where my mom was. Though we only knew her during this time, all three of us found her to be such a delight, warm, engaging and so inquisitive. Tom and I were there everyday to either take my mom out or spend time with her at Brookdale and as such your mom came to "know" us and feel "safe" with us. She shared a meal table with my mom when she originally came there. We also often sat in the "fireplace" place room with my mom, reading, listening to music and/or having my mom play her violin, and your mom would often join us as she liked the "quiet" and "serenity". She was a true joy during this time and my husband and I still often talked about her even after my mom passed away. Our thoughts are with both of you and your families. Tom and Marcia Munn

  • May 10, 2020
    Sherie Stockman Harbin says:
    My mother, Betty Stockman, loved Jean so! We were always going to visit in Williamsburg but work, children and life seemed to get in the way. I did reach you via phone several years ago, Gary, and did not realize Jean was now back in Williamsburg. Mother was 96 last week but has severe dementia and is in a home near me. I remember their fun trips to Edisto and they seemed to share so many memories. My heart goes out to Jan, Gary and your families.