Jean A. East

CHURCHVILLE – Jean Altizer East, 85, of Vinegar Hill Road, passed away Saturday, July 17. 

Born June 7, 1936 in Riner, Montgomery County, Virginia, she was the daughter of William Cecil and Irene (Arrington) Altizer.   

Jean was a graduate of Churchville High School and Radford College.  She enjoyed a long career as an English teacher, teaching briefly at Wilson High School before her children were born.  Later, she taught at Churchville Elementary School before spending most of her teaching career at Buffalo Gap High School, where she provided leadership to the forensics department.  Jean was devoted to caring for and supporting her family.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing. Jean had been a member of Loch Willow Presbyterian Church since early childhood. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Howell “Dick” East, her brother William Cleveland “Bill” Altizer, her niece Dana Altizer Milton, and numerous other loved ones, including Charles “Chuck” Borton.  Surviving are three children, Richard William “Aziz” East and partner Virginia “Peace” Arnold of Churchville, Steven Howell East and wife Mary Cecelia of Churchville, and Dr. Julia Irene East and husband Geoffrey Burns Campbell of Cape Coral, Fla.; three grandchildren, John Howell “Jack” East II, Anna Rose East, and Alexandra Ray Campbell; and several nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service at Loch Willow Presbyterian Church followed by burial in Green Hill Cemetery will be held privately. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, in Bear Funeral Home. Current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. 

Memorials may be directed to Loch Willow Presbyterian Church, PO Box 85, Churchville, VA 24421. 

Condolences may be directed to the family online at www.bearfuneralhome.com.