Jeanne Saunders Shifflet
March 7, 1951 – January 22, 2025
Jeanne Saunders Shifflet, 73, of Moneta, Virginia, died peacefully while surrounded by her loving family, on January 22, 2025. Jeanne was born on March 7, 1951, in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Sponsor of the C Company Corps of Cadets, and a member of numerous clubs and commissions. She then attended Lynchburg College.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents John R. Saunders, Margaret Mattingly Saunders Buckner, and stepfather, Bill Buckner. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, John, her best friend and loving husband of 32 years; daughter, Sharon Livsie; grandson, Adam Kelly; John’s daughter, Lori Shifflet Frady (Keith), Lori’s children, Mason Carl and Ethan Frady; and many friends, who she lovingly referred to as “framily.” Jeanne (Mom, Bammaw, Bammy, GiGi) was so proud of her family. She often talked about her love for her daughter and grandson on Facebook. She once wrote, “Proud grandparents moment!!! Our grandson, Adam received word yesterday that his early admission application was accepted and he’ll be going to Hampden-Sydney next year. We are over the moon proud of this amazing young man and all of his accomplishments so far. Way to go Sharon Livsie for doing such a great job!”
Jeanne retired after a career in public service that spanned over 30 years, where she proudly worked in every branch of state government. Supporting Sharon’s involvement, she was an active volunteer leader in the Girl Scouts and the 4-H Horse Program at both the county and state levels. Jeanne volunteered with Scruggs Fire & Rescue and was a member of Mt. Ivy Christian Church. However, according to Jeanne, her greatest accomplishment was raising her daughter, to whom she provided support and love in abundance. She once posted a “Mother’s Day Prayer for my Daughter,” which seems especially appropriate on the occasion of her passing. Thinking not of herself, but of Sharon, she wrote: “Lord thank you for my daughter. Thank you for blessing me with a daughter who is kind, loving and strong. Bless her and protect her. May you give her comfort in times of sadness, may you give her hope when she feels hopeless and may her heart be filled with joy. May she always feel loved.”
John and Jeanne were never far from each other’s sides. They enjoyed traveling the country, having adventures that provided them with loads of memories and hilarious stories that they loved to share with others. Jeanne was also happy when John’s daughter, Lori, and her family would visit. They often said that Ethan could brighten any room and they were very proud of Mason’s service to the U.S. Air Force. John and Jeanne were always up for a spontaneous happy hour, as long as it didn’t interfere with dinner time for their beloved pup, Griffin, and would pause for a break anytime there was talk of a margarita. Jeanne once said on Facebook, “Give me coffee for the things I can change and tequila for those I can’t.”
One thing everyone knew about Jeanne was that she loved her Smith Mountain Lake and Scruggs family. She and John cherished time spent at the lake, where they embraced any opportunity to spend time with family and friends, particularly Adam, his girlfriend, Jillian, and their friends. They beamed with pride when speaking about Adam, and never missed an opportunity to share stories of him. Jeanne loved her friends and family fiercely and their lives will never be the same without her. Jeanne and John made a special team and they set an example of how love, respect and fun made two people better because of each other.
Always the first to help a friend or stranger in need, Jeanne was beloved by those who knew her. Jeanne’s love of life and the people in it helped her overcome a hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Flora Funeral Chapel with Minister Steve Pasley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jeanne’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Scruggs Fire & Rescue, Mt. Ivy Christian Church, or the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank the staff at Memorial Regional Hospital for their loving and compassionate care for Jeanne and her family during this difficult time, and Flora Funeral Service, Inc., for their kind, loving support and guidance through the planning process.