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Posted in the Daily Press Newspaper on Sunday, December 14, 2014
Janice S. Gear, 64, received her angel wings on Friday, December 12, 2014. A native and lifelong resident of Hampton, Jan graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1968, then attended the College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University before graduating from the TNCC School of Nursing #1 in her class, at which time she began her career in nursing. She has worked the last 14 years as an RN at Riverside Brentwood Medical Center. Jan attended Hampton Baptist Church, was Past President of Phoebus Unit #48 American Legion Auxiliary, and her diagnosis inspired the movement to start a Relay For Life event in Hampton, for which she served as Co-chair. Jan was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother and inspiration to many. She is survived by her husband, Tom Gear; daughter, Shannon G. Williams and husband Anthony; son, Ryan T. Gear; sister, Jane Burckard and husband Bill; brother Robert Sigler and wife Jenny; mother-in-law Anna Gear; eight grandchildren; and her dog Chip and cat Jerry. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Vera Sigler; and her brother Charles "Robin" Sigler IV. The family wishes to extend many thanks to Medi Home Hospice, Dr. Alberico and staff of Virginia Oncology, Hampton Baptist Church, Riverside Brentwood Medical Center, Eileen Kennedy and countless others for their loving care and support during Jan's illness. Throughout her battle with cancer, Jan was tenacious in the fight and an inspiration to all around her. The family will receive friends Monday, December 15th from 6-8 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 16th at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 Kings Way, Hampton. At other times the family will be at 202 N. Willard Ave, Hampton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, 202 N. Willard Ave, Hampton, VA
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Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
Jan Sigler (Gear) KHS'68 passed into the arms of heaven on Friday, December 12th, 2014. Jan had achieved much in her life as a wife to Tommy Gear, KHS'68, mother to their children, grandmother, daughter, and friend to so many. That story about the pebble being cast into the pond that initially creates a small splash, then from that splash are many, many ripples, this is a story that applies to Jan's life. As she took on the battle against her cancer, she not only displayed huge courage and grace, she touched so many others serving as a model of inspiration and action to make a difference, creating something very positive and tangible. She never gave up and when she left, she left on her terms, remaining valiant to the end. Jan and Tommy attended our August Reunion on Friday evening. If you were there, hope you had a chance to see her and maybe share a word or two. I know it lifted her spirits and Tommy's to see everyone. Life is short, pause and count your blessings. It's a good thing to do. Peace to each and everyone of you. Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier
Bart Brown (1968)
Godspeed, Jan.
(Bob) Wilton Schmidt (1968)
We will miss her smile and grace. My she rest in the arms of the Lord.
Robert Mears (1968)
I didn't know Jan all that well but know Tommy and what he has already been going through and feel so bad for him at this time in your life. Godspeed with Jan and your healing also Tommy....
Vickie Killian (Whisnant) (1968)
Such a wonderful person! I've known Jan since 1st grade at Jane H. Bryan Elementary! May God bless each of you and keep you close!
Vickie