Ellajean “Jean” Burcher, 86, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Yorktown, Virginia. Jean was born on September 18, 1936 in Powellton, West Virginia to Russell and Helen Henry. She grew up in West Virginia where she graduated from Montgomery High School and then attended West Virginia Institute of Technology (1953-54) and Morris Harvey College (1954-56.) On August 25, 1956, Jean married William “Bill” Burcher, and they relocated to Hampton, Virginia. She would then spend her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, leader and friend to many people (loved ones as well as strangers.) Jean especially loved children, animals, and those that were in need of support.
She volunteered for many causes, but her true passion for helping others was fulfilled by volunteering with the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs (GFWC.) Joining the Junior Woman’s club of Newport News in 1966 and the Senior Woman’s Club in 1972, Jean would spend a great deal of her time and effort involved in their projects and activities of support for members of the community. Her hard work and dedication over the years led to her being elected into the following leadership roles: President for the Junior Woman’s Club of Newport News (1970-72), President of the Woman’s Club of Newport News (1978-80), President of Tidewater District GFWC Virginia (1984-86), President of GFWC Virginia (1998-2000), President of GFWC Southeastern Region (2006-08.) This organization was a great source of pride for Jean and it also led to her becoming involved with Operation Smile, in which she served on several missions overseas. Jean loved many things in her life,including extensive travels, but she especially enjoyed her time in this club where she developed life-long , loving relationships with many people.
She is survived by her son Rusty Burcher (Diana), daughter Beth Pereira (Jeff); grandchildren Will Burcher, Jennifer Gill (Gerad), Brandon Pereira; great-grandchild Ella Gill: sister-in-law Doris Henry; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friends Phillip Jenkins, Tommie Faulkner-Peake, and Gail Hudgins.
Jean was predeceased by her husband Bill Burcher; parents Russell and Helen Henry; sister Charlotte Stabler: brother Sonny Henry: sister-in-law Jean Shumate; and many cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice and at Harmony on the Peninsula for their loving care and prayers during “Ellajean’s” time with you. She loved you all.
The family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. on Friday February 24, 2023 followed by a service at 9:30 at Altmeyer-Riverside Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or the American Cancer Society.
