Jeannette P. Homes

Jeannette (Poling) Homes, 103, of Staunton, Virginia, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Jeannette’s final days were spent in the loving embrace of her family and dear friends.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1921, Jeannette was the daughter of Ethel and Troy Poling. Jeannette was married for more than 60 years to the late Eugene Crosby Homes, a World War II veteran who created a prominent accounting firm in Washington, D.C. Jeannette is survived by two children: Lynn Lyon (Christopher) of Albany, New York and Alan Homes of Staunton. She had one grandchild, Alexandra, of Seattle, Washington.

As a young woman, Jeannette moved from West Virginia to Washington, D.C. During World War II, she worked for the War Production Board and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. As a vital member of the war effort, Jeannette was invited for tea at the White House with Eleanor Roosevelt. Jeannette left government service to raise her family. After her children finished school, she resumed her work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Upon retirement, Jeannette and her husband relocated to Staunton and built a house near the farm where he was raised.

Jeannette was blessed with great beauty. As a young woman in Washington, Jeannette encountered Orson Welles, then a young actor and director, at the Stage Door Canteen. Enamored, he pursued her. She was unimpressed and rejected him.

Jeannette loved her family deeply. She was especially dedicated to her husband, children and grandchild, and her devoted nieces and nephews.

Always lively, she was an embodiment of a bygone era. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2001 North Coalter Street, Staunton. Gifts in Jeannette’s memory may be made to the Covenant Presbyterian Church Minister’s Discretionary Fund.