Obituary for Jean Orion Siler (Smith)
Jean Orion Siler was called home to be with the Lord on November 30, 2018. She was born on February 16, 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the widow of Clyde Isaac Siler.
Jean was born to the late Walter and Catherine Smith and was predeceased by brother, Horace Smith, sister, Shirley S. Sharp and brothers-in-law, Joseph N. Sharp and Lawrence E. Anderson. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, in Norfolk, Virginia; Virginia State College (now University), in Petersburg, Virginia, and received her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. While attending Virginia State College, she pledged the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. After graduating from college, Jean was employed with Virginia Beach Public School system where she taught for over 32 years.
She participated in many organizations; civic, social and community, which included, member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Delacodos where she served as National and Local President, the Norfolk Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served as President, as well as served on Regional committees and conducted parliamentary workshops. Jean was president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion and chair for Daytime Events with the International Azalea Festival for 10 years.
Jean was an active member of The Historic First Baptist Church on Bute Street since she was a child. She also mentored and tutored at Bowling Park Elementary School and conducted a Homework Assistance Program through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Wanda Watters (Andrew) of Norfolk and David Siler, Tennessee, a sister, Margaret Anderson of Norfolk, granddaughters, Dawn Siler, Nashville, TN, and Ashleigh Watters of Petersburg, step-grandson, Andrew Haensch (Meghan) of Claremont, great-grandchildren Braden, Devin, and Kyla Haensch and Zachary Watters, as well as, a host of nieces, cousins and dear friends.
Jean was born to the late Walter and Catherine Smith and was predeceased by brother, Horace Smith, sister, Shirley S. Sharp and brothers-in-law, Joseph N. Sharp and Lawrence E. Anderson. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, in Norfolk, Virginia; Virginia State College (now University), in Petersburg, Virginia, and received her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. While attending Virginia State College, she pledged the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. After graduating from college, Jean was employed with Virginia Beach Public School system where she taught for over 32 years.
She participated in many organizations; civic, social and community, which included, member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Delacodos where she served as National and Local President, the Norfolk Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served as President, as well as served on Regional committees and conducted parliamentary workshops. Jean was president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion and chair for Daytime Events with the International Azalea Festival for 10 years.
Jean was an active member of The Historic First Baptist Church on Bute Street since she was a child. She also mentored and tutored at Bowling Park Elementary School and conducted a Homework Assistance Program through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Wanda Watters (Andrew) of Norfolk and David Siler, Tennessee, a sister, Margaret Anderson of Norfolk, granddaughters, Dawn Siler, Nashville, TN, and Ashleigh Watters of Petersburg, step-grandson, Andrew Haensch (Meghan) of Claremont, great-grandchildren Braden, Devin, and Kyla Haensch and Zachary Watters, as well as, a host of nieces, cousins and dear friends.