Virginia Jean West Gould of Morgantown, WV and Mannington, WV, beloved wife of Professor Henry W. Gould, passed away peacefully 11 November 2020 at Snyder Nursing Home, Salem, VA.
Born in Baltimore, MD, 9 July 1930, she was the daughter of the late Anglum Perry and Annie Mister West. A graduate of Mannington High School in 1949, she received her A.B. in education from Fairmont State University, 1959, and M.S. in education from West Virginia University, 1968.
She was a member, Board of Directors, West Virginia Heart Association, Charleston, W. Va., 1965-69, Jean was very active with the West Augusta Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mannington, W. Va., Secretary, 1997-98, Vice Regent, 1998-99. Jean was a life-long scholar and enjoyed teaching others.
Jean taught at Iaeger middle and High School, McDowell County, WV 1979-1992. Over her lifetime she held many positions around the State of West Virginia and in other states. Jean developed and carried out a survey of tuition benefits for faculty spouses and children at nearby land grant universities and colleges. This project involved collaboration with Barbara Evans Fleischauer, W. Va. House of Delegates, and David Satterfield, CEO at West Virginia University, 1997-99.
In 1996 she married Professor Henry W. Gould of West Virginia University in an eclectic, ecumenical wedding at the Round Barn, Mannington, WV. Later in life Jean took numerous classes at West Virginia University, earning a B.A. in Italian Art History in 2005 and a B.F.A. in sculpture in 2009. She was elected to four honor societies and the Dean’s list. She then studied therapeutic horsemanship for several years at WVU. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Morgantown.
In 1997-98 Jean completed a course of study of Hebrew and Judaism at Tree of Life Synagogue, Morgantown, where she was Secretary of the Sisterhood and Board, 1997. She was a member of Hadassah.
Jean’s greatest accomplishment was her family and is survived by two daughters, Michele Bernadette Pepin and Son in law Jeffrey Pepin of Petersburg, VA, Laura Janelle Halsey Maynard and fiancé Harvey Haywood of New Castle, VA, grandsons Thomas Payson Kight of Pahoa. Hilo, Hawaii, and John Morgan Maynard of Cornelius, NC, granddaughter Lisa Marie Boyd, Roanoke, VA ,numerous friends and relatives, special friends Ed and Doris Gump.
She was loved by many people because of her kind, caring and supportive nature. She was a loving mother and encouraged her daughters to be fair, helpful and understanding of others.
If you knew Jean, you know she always treated everyone the same no matter what color, race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation you had. We should all strive to be like her and this world would be a better place. Be kind to others as she not only preached but practiced.
Services will be held in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines, masks are to be worn by all attending and social distancing is to be practiced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Humane Society in Jean’s honor as she rescued many animals over the years. Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Huey-Thorne Cemetery in Logansport, W.V. As we continue to recognize attending services during the COVID-19 situation may not be in the best interest for some, please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com or the funeral home facebook page.
Condolences
Henry I m sorry for your loss.
Dear Friends: I was one of Jean's Art History teachers at WVU, and also had the pleasure of working with her on some of her art projects. I always will remember Jean for her talent and her enthusiasm, which captivated so many of us in the College of Creative Arts. Jean Gould was an original, and she brought joy to our lives.
Bernie Schultz
Dean Emeritus, College of Creative Arts
West Virginia University
Have missed your sweet face, but we shall meet again. Daughters of the King (DOK) Sisters in Christ. FHS with love.
Jean was a wonderful and interesting person. We were privileged to know Jean for many years, in many capacities. Among other things, she was active with the Mannington Chapter of the DAR along with my mother. They often met at the Prichard House. Many will miss Jean but she will live in our memories. Our prayers are with her family and friends.
We were so sorry to learn of dear Jean’s passing. She and I used to drive out to the Petitto farm weekly to work with the horses and to assist children from Stepping Stones in a summer camp. Camp included arts and crafts (where Jean was a marvel and so kind and supportive with the children) and grooming horses which we both loved. Her favorite horse was an ornery little paint pony named “Blaze.” The two of the seemed to have a special bond.
Rides back and forth the farm with Jean were a delight. Those rides included discussing the antics of our pets (and our husbands, of course, since we were both married to professors).
Jean was so proud of her very accomplished daughters and of John Morgan, who she adored and of whom she was so proud.
I have missed Jean since she moved to Mannington and have thought of her often. We deeply regret that we will not be able to pay our respects to Jean and the family at the funeral home. My husband and I have health concerns and due to the increasing problems with COVID, we feel it best to be cautious.
Henry, we hope to see you back in Morgantown during better times.
Much love to you all.
Lou and Dady
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
Aunt Jean was an interesting and thoughtful soul, what an inspiration! Wish I'd been able to spend more time with her over the years.
I knew Jean in her later student days when she was always excited about the latest chapter in her education. She was a free spirit, an optimist, and an incredibly kind person.
Jean, we will miss your smile in our coffee room.
CQ
Henry, I m sorry for your loss.
CQ
Jean was always so kind and thoughtful. She was so enthusiastic about learning many things and very humane. Henry, we are so sorry for your loss!!
Henry,Rusty and I are so sorry for your loss. Jean was a wonderful,appreciative, avid learner. She was a student in my Humanities class and she always offered to help fellow students as well. She always added something special to a class! We loved her spirit and personality!
I will remember Ms. Halsey and the good times we had when she lived in Iaeger.....she was a sweetheart and a great person to have as a friend. I will miss her very much and will think of her always. She has gained her wings and now she is her family's guardian angel!