Jean Campbell Wheby

Jean Campbell Wheby passed from this life on May 4, 2024, two days after her 90th birthday. She leaves a legacy of beauty, caring for others, and unconditional love.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Munsey S. Wheby, MD; her children, Rose Hollinshead (Ralph), Munsey J. Wheby (Katherine), and Jeanie Morrow; and seven grandchildren who lit up her world: Stephen and Henry Hollinshead; Campbell and Margaret Wheby; Will, John and Ben Morrow; sisters Mary Ann Elder and Carolyn Walter; brother James Campbell; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Jean was born in Salem, Virginia, the third of six children. Upon graduation from Andrew Lewis High School, where she was a member of the May Court and a class officer, she enrolled in the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia in 1952. It was at UVa where she met her one true love, a medical student named Munsey Wheby. After her graduation from Nursing School and his from Medical School, she and Munsey wed in Roanoke on August 5, 1955. They then moved to New York for Munsey's internship at New York Hospital. There Jean worked as a NICU and surgical unit nurse and later in the office of a well-known pulmonologist.

After a few moves for Munsey's medical and military career, including stints in Washington, DC, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, they returned to Charlottesville in 1966 when Munsey joined the faculty at UVa Medical School. They resided there for the next 51 years before moving to Sanford, NC in 2017 to be near their children.

Jean went on to be an incredibly accomplished homemaker, mother, and avid Wahoo sports fan. She also volunteered with many organizations including PTA, Girl Scouts, the Democratic Party, and The Garden Club of Virginia. Jean remained active with the Nursing School and helped establish the Mary Jane Morris Endowed Scholarship. Later, Jean and Munsey had the opportunity to travel the world through Munsey's leadership in the American College of Physicians and the People-to-People Program. Back at home in Ivy, Jean masterminded an annual "Camp Wheby" weekend for the grandchildren where she engaged her friends and neighbors to provide tennis lessons, horseback riding, archery, target shooting, and many more joyful summer activities which fostered a closeness among the cousins which continues.

Jean touched many through her passions for entertaining, gardening, decorating, and needlework. She was accomplished in all without any formal training. The garden at her home in Ivy, Virginia was a featured "friendly" garden during Historic Garden Week. She was knowledgeable in antiques and historic preservation helping to restore both the 1740 House and Woodstock Hall in Charlottesville. Her dinner parties were legendary. Her friendships were many and long-lasting. She was as warm and caring as anyone can be and all who knew her benefited from her kindness and generosity. The world was a more beautiful place with her in it.

Jean will be interred at The University of Virginia Cemetery and Columbarium. At her request, there will be no service at this time.