Jean Freeman Penn

Jean Hutchison Freeman Penn entered the gates of Heaven on June 15, 2026, just nine days before her 80th birthday. Born on June 24, 1946, in Monroe, North Carolina, Jean was a strong and devoted woman—a loving wife and mother, hardworking professional, loyal friend, champion for those less fortunate, and mentor to countless young people throughout her life.

Jean was the daughter of Elizabeth Cross Freeman and George J. Freeman, Jr.  During her teenage years, her family settled in Idylwood, Virginia, just outside Falls Church. She attended Madison and Marshall High Schools and enjoyed participating in the Teen Club at Idylwood Presbyterian Church. It was there that she met a neighborhood young man, George “Buddy” Penn. The two were married on August 22, 1964, and through nearly 62 years of marriage, they remained steadfast partners through every joy and challenge life presented.

After graduating from high school, Jean worked for C&P Telephone until she and Buddy began raising their family in “Kamp Washington,” Fairfax, Virginia. Always resourceful and industrious, she supplemented the family income by helping neighbors with childcare and household tasks. She later served as a Teacher’s Assistant at Westmore Elementary School. After the family moved to Vienna in the 1970s, Jean worked for the City of Fairfax in the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office.

Jean ultimately found her professional niche in proposal and project management, where her organizational skills, determination, and ability to keep both deadlines and engineers on track became legendary. Throughout her career, she held positions with AJ Dwoskin, URS, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and Alpha Corporation. She also devoted many volunteer hours to the Society of American Military Engineers and the Washington, D.C., 2012 Olympic Bid Team.

For 58 years, Jean was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was initiated into Harmony Chapter No. 60 in Vienna, Virginia, in 1968, joining a proud family tradition that included her mother, grandparents, and several aunts. Harmony Chapter became a central part of her life, and she served as Worthy Matron five times—more than any other member in the chapter’s history. In 2010–2011, she was honored to serve as Grand Esther of the Grand Chapter of Virginia in the Brundage-Bland Grand Family. Jean often said that the greatest gifts of Eastern Star were the lifelong friendships she formed and the opportunities it provided to serve others through charitable work.

Jean was equally devoted to the Masonic youth organizations, Job’s Daughters International and DeMolay International. She enthusiastically supported her children’s involvement and later became a leader herself, serving as Grand Guardian of Job’s Daughters of Virginia in 1995–1996 alongside her partner, Robert Clore. In 2008–2009, she was selected to serve at the international level as Supreme Bethel Guardian. Over the years, countless young men and women benefited from her guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love, affectionately knowing her as “Mom Penn.”

Jean was the proud mother of two children, Kathleen Noel and David George Penn (Lina), whom she raised with unconditional love, strong values, and a deep appreciation for family. Those lessons continue through the generations. Her grandchildren were the center of her world: Joshua David Meldrum, Elizabeth Noel Meldrum, Julian David Penn, and Zara-Jean Merican Penn. She was also blessed with a step-granddaughter, Erica Meldrum Sagar (Ben), and step-great-grandchildren Isabella and Jace.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family, Jean is survived by her brother, George “Jeff” Freeman III, as well as several cousins and nieces. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, David Meldrum, and her only nephew, William Cope Freeman.

Jean’s life was defined by service, loyalty, generosity, and love. Whether caring for family, supporting her community, mentoring young people, or lending a helping hand to a friend in need, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her example will continue to inspire generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Harmony Chapter Scholarship Fund. Checks payable to Harmony Chapter No. 60 OES may be mailed to:

Kimberlee Sherman, Secretary
Harmony Chapter No. 60 OES
9893 Airedale Court
Bristow, VA 20136

Eastern Star and Funeral Services
Sunday, July 12, 2026
2:30 p.m.

Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Avenue
Vienna, VA 22180

Celebration of Life Luncheon
Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life luncheon at:

Concord Masonic Lodge
146 Church Street NE
Vienna, VA 22180