Helen Virginia Hemley

helen hemley
H. Virginia Hemley



Of Oakton, VA on March 10, 2014. Amazing wife of Julian of 63 years and exceptional mother of Russell, Ginette and Curtis.



Born in Las Cruces, NM on December 21, 1928 to Thomas Jefferson Jones and Lillian (Wendt) Jones and known as Helen to her relatives, she was the youngest of six children, growing up in Las Cruces, Arrey and Hot Springs (Truth or Consequences), NM.



Virginia graduated from Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman's University) in Denton, TX, in 1949 with a degree in journalism. She and Julian married on June 9, 1951 in El Paso, TX. Together they lived in El Paso; Evanston, IL; Placentia and Berkeley, CA; Denver, CO; Menlo Park and Mountain View, CA: Salt Lake City, UT; Nancy, France; and Oakton, VA.



She taught Special Education for more than three decades in the Fairfax County and Salt Lake City public school systems, specializing in the physically disabled. She was an active volunteer in the Clinton White House, a passionate animal lover, an avid gardener with a dozen bird baths in her yard, and a hostess extraordinaire. She traveled the world with her husband, family and friends, visiting Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Central and South America, Africa and Asia. She enjoyed many Christmases in Akumal (Quintana Roo), Mexico.



She is survived by her husband Julian of Oakton, VA; her children Russell Hemley of Chevy Chase, MD; Ginette Hemley of Falls Church, VA; and Curtis Hemley of Oakton, VA; her grandson Emerson of Chevy Chase, MD; and her sister Marion Wright of Truth or Consequence, NM.



She is predeceased by her brothers Charles and Ralph and her sisters Ruth and Dorothy.



Friends and family will gather for remembrances at M & K Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA from 2-4pm on Sunday, March 16, 2014.



Memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, 5100 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20016, and Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036.





Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We were deeply saddened by Virginia’s passing. She was a wonderful person and we are going to miss her very much. Our heart felt condolences to all of you.

  2. My Prayers go out to Virginia’s family. She started my Jazzercise class in 1995 and we have been friends ever since. The entire class will miss her. She truly was an inspiration to all of us and did make us laugh on many occasions. Sincerely, Kathy Babbitt

  3. I have so many very fond memories of Virginia, and of her many kindnesses to my family. I remember her coming to my mother’s funeral in a beautiful dress covered with bright spring flowers; she stood up and said “Sue loved flowers and color and that’s why I’m wearing this dress!” and also, I remember when we all came home after my Dad died, grief-stricken and exhausted, there was a full meal waiting for us, courtesy of Virginia. She was unfailingly goodnatured with all of our many Peck idiosyncracies and she was tireless in her work for social justice. She used to exchange plants with my father, and they would anxiously compare gardens. I loved her dearly. My love and condolences to all her family.

  4. Virginia was one of a group of women, all smart, talented, capable, and strong…and all married to geologists…including my mom (Sue), Ruth Tatlock and Jean Bethke that were in essence mothers to every kid in all of those families… and every one of us love each of them as our own mother. Virginia was always there, always being helpful, always being loving. She was so smart -didn’t matter what the topic was she spoke with knowledge, passion and curiousity – be it politics or plants. That’s how I’ll always think of her. Her smile and laugh, her positive force of energy, creativity and the warmth are with me always; what an honor it is to know and love her – and to have been loved by her. God Bless all the Hemleys – we love each of you

  5. Virginia will be missed by so many of us, who were inspired and touched by her positive attitude and example. My sympathy goes out to this special lady’s family.

  6. I am so sorry for your loss, and know how difficult this time must be for you. I met Virginia at Jazzercise, and will remember her as a very kind and caring person. I’m grateful that I had a chance to know her. She will be missed by many.

  7. When I started Jazzercis 3 years ago not sure if I would be able to keep up … there was Virginia front and center. She became my mentor, if she could do it, so could I and of course she always looked good doing it. She was a fabulous person and a good friend to all of us – always ready to share a smile and ear. Virginia you will be greatly missed but will always be remembered.

  8. When we were young, the Hemleys, Pecks, and Bethkes were inseparable, especially around the holidays. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving, New Years, or a Memorial Day picnic at Carderock without Virginia. I remember that of the adults she was the one at each get-together who took special care that the younger generation was happy and having fun. She even let us call her Aarvark, a nickname that stuck for no special reason except that she didn’t object. Of course, we’re not so young now and it’s a very empty feeling knowing Virginia is no longer with us. Please accept Abby’s and my condolences.

  9. I feel honored to have known Virginia during the 15 years that we have done Jazzercise together. She was gracious, kind and fun to be around. I’ll never forget how she would dress up for class at holiday times and she had some spectacular Hallowe’en and Christmas earrings that she loved to wear. We will all miss her tremendously.

  10. Our deepest sympathy to the Hemley family: our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Virginia was one of the first people we’ve gotten to know when came to the US. She helped our family a lot, and we’re forever thankful for her kindness and care. She’ll always be in our hearts.

  11. Virginia was a fixture in our Jazzercize class, and everyone marveled at her flexibility and energy. We all guarded her “space” when she was gone, and looked forward to seeing her animated face…and super earrings! She and I had Mexico, El Paso, and Evanston in common and had a number of great discussions. I wish there had been more. She will be sorely missed.

  12. Aunt Helen was truly a delight to be with, a vivacious soul with the knowledge, social grace, and carisma to carry through even with the most mundane of family guests. I know she will be dearly missed by J.J., Russell (Amanda), Ginette (Larry), Curt and her beloved grandson Emerson. She worked diligently for her causes and was passinate in her beliefs. The world was a much better place having her in it, may she rest in peace. Ralph Jones Jr.

  13. For years, Virginia stood directly in front of me during Jazzercise. She always wore wild earrings and colorful workout clothes. She was the envy if all when she would bend over and touch her toes! She kindly took yearly orders from our class for the White House ornaments. We will miss her in so many ways. Her “space” has remained empty since her absence. God bless all in her family and fortunate friends.

  14. My deepest sympathy. Mrs. Hemley was a wonderful help to my daughter, Holly Lyons, starting at Wolftrap School in the 80s. We are grateful for all she did.

  15. Virginia was so young at heart. I remember sitting next to her at Panera Bread one morning and hearing about her extensive travels. Akumal, Mexico is also one of my favorite places and Virginia was one of my favorite Jazzercize classmates. With sympathy, April Herbert

  16. To her immediate family, we send our condolences and love. We unfortunately didn’t get to know Aunt Helen as long as we would have liked. We met her later in life but she was so loving and generous that we felt we knew her a lifetime. She always had an open door and warm bed. She had the generosity so common in the Jones family. She reminded me both of my great-grandmother Ruth (Jones) Pace and my grandmother Shirley. Warm, personable and always engaging. And we are thankful to have gotten to spend time with her and her family. The Hemleys are wonderful and we hope we can keep in touch. Thanks to her and them. God bless. With love, Jeb, Renee, and Adler Hall

  17. To her immediate family, we send our condolences and love. We unfortunately didn’t get to know Aunt Helen as long as we would have liked. We met her later in life but she was so loving and generous that we felt we knew her a lifetime. She always had an open door and warm bed. She had the generosity so common in the Jones family. She reminded me both of my great-grandmother Ruth (Jones) Pace and my grandmother Shirley. Warm, personable and always engaging. And we are thankful to have gotten to spend time with her and her family. The Hemleys are wonderful and we hope we can keep in touch. Thanks to her and them. God bless. With love, Jeb, Renee, and Adler Hall

  18. As I wheeled into my third grade classroom in the fall of 1973, I had no idea that I would find a lifelong friend there. Virginia was one of my two teachers that year, It was so much fun! She encouraged me to read widely and to challenge myself. She enhanced my curiosity about the world through her many travels. As that year ended, we kept in touch. By junior high, she was my itinerant teacher–which lasted through high school all through high school. She was there for my first job, applying to college, and my high school and college graduations, and first regular job. When Virginia retired, I went to her party. She supported my family and me during the rough times as well. We shared many cultural events including museums and galleries, concerts, plays, and movies. Many were to places that my aunt and I couldn’t travel to easily. These outings were a chance to catch up. I will miss her so much.

  19. Ginette and family, We send our sympathies and prayers on the loss of your Mother. May your memories of love make this difficult time a celebration of her life. Henry and Nancy

  20. Like many other friends who’ve signed this Guestbook, I also met Virginia at Jazzercise–she and I shared a spot on the front row. We discovered quite by chance that we also shared a “small world” connection–my niece had been the architect for a home renovation project for Virginia’s son Russell. Virginia was a bright spot in our class, a limber dancer, and an energetic and interesting woman. She obviously leaves quite a legacy and a large group of friends who will miss her smiling face!

  21. Virginia was a special person. Her love of life and activist personality made her a role model for all. She was one of my special jazzercise friends, and I will greatly miss her. My sincere condolences to her family.


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