Jean Murphy Savedge

Jean M. Savedge departed this life on January 8, 2026. Born Ethel Jean Murphy on February 24,1931, Jean was the fourth child of the late, Eulice Riddick Murphy and Ethel Lee Turner Murphy, of Smithfield, VA. Jean is predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years, George C. Savedge, Sr. Also departing before her were her sisters Parker Lee Outlaw (Ray) and Janice Gentry (Russell), a brother Peter Murphy (Barbara) and a nephew Russell Gentry, II.

Those left to cherish her memory are sons, George C. Savedge, Jr., and Joseph W. Savedge (Cheryl); sister-in-law Barbara Murphy; three grandsons, Daniel Savedge, Christopher Savedge, (Amanda) and Justin Savedge (Kim); a great grandson Jacob Savedge; and an infant great granddaughter, Autumn Savedge.

Jean was an active member of Smithfield Baptist Church and Hilton Baptist, in Newport News. She was also active in the Baptist Women’s Missionary Unit and The Jr. Women’s Club of Smithfield.

She also served through her career as an R.N., holding nursing positions at private practices in Smithfield, Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, and finally Newport News Public Schools.

Later in life, Jean enjoyed a more relaxed employment in retail sales at Thalheimer’s, Newport News and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg.

Jean spent her lifetime loving and caring for people, especially her family. Always there with support in time of need.

A funeral service will be held at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, 3 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to, The Chesapeake Benevolent Fund, through the Virgina Baptist Home Foundation www.lifespireliving.org.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com