Jean Kyle Hedges, 93, passed away at her home in Arlington, VA, on April 06, 2023. Jean was born in Big Stone Gap, VA, on January 11, 1930, the second child of Dr. Robert Swanson Kyle and Mrs. Vera Sue (Hampton) Kyle. Jean had fond memories of growing up in Big Stone Gap, a small country town where the children, and the family's two milk cows, were allowed to wander freely. As teens, Jean and her older sister would often hang out at the Mutual Pharmacy, dancing to the jukebox.

In 1943 Jean's family moved to her mother's hometown of Galax, VA, where she spent her high school years, graduating in 1947. That fall she began studies at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA, majoring in music (voice performance). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951.  Following graduation from Mary Baldwin, Jean moved to Fairfax, VA, where she took employment as an elementary school teacher, which she found enjoyable and rewarding. However, what she wanted most was to raise a family.

From childhood Jean was passionate about dancing. One evening in 1953, after a dance lesson at a studio in Washington DC, she needed a ride home. The receptionist at the front desk had a friend who had stopped to chat after his dance lesson. His name was Lew Hedges. The receptionist introduced Jean and Lew and suggested that Lew give Jean a ride home; Lew was willing, and Jean accepted. A year later, on September 11, 1954 they married. Jean left teaching, and the family Jean longed for began.

In the summer of 1961, the family moved to a house in Arlington near Clarendon United Methodist Church. Jean began attending services there in the fall, and became a member of the church in 1962. She raised her four children in the CUMC community. It was her social and spiritual center for the rest of her life. Over the years she participated in many church groups, most recently the Morning Glories and the Congregational Care Unit. She sang in the choir until age took her voice. She was a charter member of the bell choir; playing in it gave her joy in music even after she could no longer sing.

In the late-1970's, as her children completed high school and left home, Jean took employment in the Arlington County Treasurer's office. She worked there for 10 years before retiring.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Robert Swanson Kyle and Vera Sue (Hampton) Kyle, her sister Mary Anne Mackey, and her husband, Lewis C. Hedges Jr. She is survived by her brothers Robert S. Kyle Jr. and Thomas H. Kyle, her children Kyle, Blair, Susan and Hampton Hedges, and her grandchildren Elizabeth, James, Samuel and Olivia Hedges.

A memorial service will be held at Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N Irving St,Arlington, VA, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 11am.

Burial will be two days later in a private service at the Captain Litrille H. Hampton Cemetery, Beech Grove Lane, Baywood VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to :

Litrille H. Hampton Cemetery Memorial Fund

58 Beechgrove Lane, Galax, VA   24333

She will always be remembered by family and friends.