Ida Jean Rowland Southern Poff

Ida "Jean" Poff, resident at the Carrington Cottage Memory Care Center, Daleville, Virginia, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Jean-as she was known by family and friends-was born in Danville, Virginia, on May 7, 1932, a daughter of the late Fitzhugh Lee Rowland and Frances Ashworth Rowland. She graduated from Schoolfield High School, and for a period of time worked at the Dan River Cotton Mills. In 1959 she and her first husband, along with their five children, moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where she lived until her recent move to Carrington Cottage.

In addition to her father and mother, Jean was predeceased by her first husband, Posey Leonard Southern, Jr., her second husband, Joseph Byron Poff, Jr.; sister, Aileen S. Kirks; brothers, Curtis Sweatt, Billy Rowland, and G.C. Rowland; her favorite nephew, Andy Kirks; daughter, Jeannie S. Dillon; and sons, Jon Southern and Keith Southern. She was also predeceased by her long-time dancing companion, Vance Douglas Thompson.

Jean is survived by her sons, Rev. Leonard L. Southern (Kathy) and Don M. Southern (Leslie Turner); daughter-in-law, Lynn Southern-McVey; grandchildren, Lynette S. Dodd (James), Jeanine S. Poyner (Rick), Rosanna Southern, 1st Sgt. Alan Dillon (Eleanore), Amy D. Robinson, Joy S. Cantrell (Brandon), and Jeffery Southern (Maryssa); great-grandchildren, Amber and Megan Dodd, Joseph and Jeannie Robinson, and Payton, Claire, and Cash Cantrell. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Shirley S. Shackelford and Alice S. Taylor.

Jean was a devoted and faithful member of her church and strongly encouraged her family to share in that faith and involvement. She was an active participant in her Sunday School class and willingly volunteered her time and talents in many areas of church life. She very much enjoyed the church's LAAF Group-Living Abundantly After Fifty. Jean loved staying active and enjoyed being on the go, even if it simply meant getting out of the house to enjoy a milkshake. She especially cherished family gatherings, where she could be surrounded by the people she loved most while playing cards or dominoes and making lasting memories together. And, of course, Jean had a true love for dancing, which brought her great joy.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Melrose Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with the service beginning at 3 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Leonard L. Southern and the Rev. Mark Mofield. A graveside service is planned for 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Danville Memorial Gardens in Danville, Virginia.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.