Jean Lucas Krippendorf

Jean Lucas Krippendorf, age 81, of Salem, passed away in her sleep at home after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 surrounded by her children. She was born on February 10, 1931, graduated with honors from Andrew Lewis High School, and majored in Religion at Radford College. She was a lifelong Baptist and an ardent Democrat. She knew her Bible and her politics, and on the latter she could hold her own with anybody. Jean was a familiar and beloved face to many in Salem. Though she never had much money, she always found a way to help the poor and dispirited young people her children would sometimes bring to the house whether with a meal or simple kindness. Years and decades later, some of these, long grown, would still stop by to say hello to their dear old friend. Jean truly was the woman in the New Testament who gave her last penny, "her whole living." In death she follows her parents, Andrew Day and Frances Boone Lucas. Jean is survived by her six children, Rick Krippendorf and wife, Mary, Marsha Southee and husband, Earl, Mary Keene and husband, Greg, Matt Krippendorf, Martha May and husband Robbie, and John Krippendorf; three grandchildren, Blake Krippendorf, Haley Southee, and Riley May; and her two sisters, Linda Smither and Sandra Curd. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Everett Kier officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. There will be no public visitation. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Krippendorf family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.