Jean Ann Futrell Lange, 86, of Suffolk, VA, passed away on February 7, 2021.
Jean was born December 28, 1934. She was raised on the family’s farm near Woodland by her loving parents, A. Marnch Futrell and Edna Terry Futrell, she attended Woodland Onley School where she graduated Valedictorian. During her time at East Carolina University, she met and married Bob Mitchell of Harrellsville, NC. The couple settled in Plymouth, NC where Bob was employed at Weyerhauser, Inc. While in Plymouth, they had three children – Lynn, Ken, and Penny. Jean devoted her time to raising her family and pursuing her multiple passions of cooking, golf, and bridge. Bob’s job moved the family first from Plymouth to Idabel, OK, and then to Eugene, OR, before eventually returning them to Plymouth. No matter where she was or what she was doing, she was universally known as a force of nature.
Later in life, Jean married Joseph Justius of Nags Head, NC. They moved to Woodland and operated the local grocery store, JJ’s Woodland Supermarket until Joe’s death in 1992. Jean was elected and served as a town commissioner during this time. In 1994, Jean married Commander Christian Lange, U.S. Navy (ret) of Virginia Beach, VA. They lived in Woodland for a time before moving to Virginia Beach, where she was a member of Baylake United Methodist Church. During her time with Chris she enjoyed working on stained glass projects and traveling, including river tours in Europe and China. Her favorite place was coastal Maine where she never met a lobster she didn’t like.
Jean is survived by her husband Chris, her three children Lynn Lane & Ron Lane of Woodland, NC, Ken Mitchell & David Kramer of Atlanta, GA, and Penny Beasley & Stewart Beasley of Woodland, NC, her brother Andy Futrell & Lael Futrell of Seattle, WA, and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was a loving grandmother to Ryan Beasley and wife Sarah of Kinston, NC, and Trevor Lane & wife Carra of Lasker, NC. She was also blessed with and adored her two great grandchildren Winn Lane and Summerlyn Beasley.
The family graciously thanks all the caregivers who helped Jean through her end of life, especially for their heroic efforts in this time of COVID19.
A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2021, 1:30 pm, at the Woodland, NC town cemetery, with the Reverend Wallace Phillips officiating.
Flowers are welcome or the family would greatly appreciate memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Lange family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
My prayers to you, Penny, and the other members of your family on the passing or your mother. I never knew her, but just in knowing you, she must have been a remarkable lady. She made YOU!!! Cherish all the memories you have of your mother and pass them down to your beautiful granddaughter. Summerlyn needs to “KNOW” your mother and all the great females in her family!
When you lose someone very precious, no on else really knows all that you feel…But, please know that many prayerful thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow
Prayers for the family. I remember Jean Ann and was in school with her. May God give you peace.
We at the Lords House of Prayers are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Ken and family, my sympathies to you as you deal with this loss. My prayers tonight will include you all. I’m sorry.
Ken, my deepest condolences for you and your family.
Penny and family,
I am thinking of you at this very difficult time.May God bless and comfort you is my prayer.
Jean was a very dear woman to me. I am so sorry Chris and family. I am here if you ever need anything. I will never forget the fashion show she was in for our fund raiser at church. What a beautiful and strong woman.
From Ms. Jean’s story she sounds like an incredible woman. You all have my condolences for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss- your mother sounds like she was vibrant giving lady who gave back in life through public service, community and church. I am a lobster “snob” and agree Maine has the best. May your memories give you comfort and may her light shine through you all. Hugs.