Jean Piercy Chestnutt died Tuesday, May 26, 2020, after a long illness while at home in Williamsburg. She was born during the Great Depression to Sarah and Noble Piercy and was the first of five children — the only girl.
Very early, she excelled in her school work and was an honor graduate at Granby High School, Norfolk. Jean worked while her husband finished college before she completed her own post-secondary education. She went on to graduate from Radford University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the College of William & Mary.
Jean taught school in the City of Radford, Newport News and York County. She retired as a high school guidance counselor with Denbigh High School, Newport News. She provided inspirational support for students as well as family. Jean excelled at playing the piano throughout her life and enjoyed photography, mystery novels and church. She was devoted to her family.
Jean is survived by her husband, David; son, Mark; daughter, Rebecca; and brothers, Ernest, David, Donald and John Piercy. She is also survived by her granddaughters, who she raised, Jessica Tussing and Melissa Tussing.
