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Kathryn Jean VanCamp, known to us all as Jean, 89, of New Martinsville, WV passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at her home.
Jean, the daughter of the late Waldo Emerson and Nellie Leona (Markle) Bell, was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on April 1, 1937.
Jean, formerly of Core, West Virginia, graduated as valedictorian from Clay-Battelle High School in 1955. She earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from West Virginia University in 1959, where she met her husband, Jim. She continued her education with a degree focused on Music Theory from Parkersburg Community College and a master's degree in Psychology and Counseling from WVU. A member of Mensa, she worked as a chemist, teacher, and professional counselor.
Jean later earned a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary and became a United Methodist minister. She served the congregations of Wick and LaZear's Chapel in Tyler County. An accomplished pianist and organist, she shared her love of music by teaching piano to children in the surrounding communities. Her creative pursuits included knitting, crocheting, sewing, and weaving, with a special fondness for making quilts for her children and grandchildren.
Jean VanCamp is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, James Donald VanCamp; her five children: Mary (Mike) Doran, Margaret (James) Pefferman, Nancy (Barry) Van Camp, Donna ( Robert "Rusty") Loy, and John (Janice) Van Camp; seven grandchildren: Amanda (Nick) Condeni, Jennifer (Ryan) Foster, Matthew Pefferman, Christian Loy, Hannah Loy, Alexander (Rachel) Van Camp, and Rae (Nathan) Fanning; seven great-grandchildren: Cameron, Brooks, Connor, Madison, Elouise, Margaret, and Bella; one sister: Carillon Copeland; two nieces: Joan Copeland and Kim Onofrio; two great-nieces: Michelle and Leanne.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Peter Copeland.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Middlebourne United Methodist Church, 306 East St, Middlebourne, WV 26149 with Rev. Louise Baker officiating. Interment at LaZear Chapel Cemetery, Kidwell, Tyler County, near Middlebourne, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wetzel County Cemetery Association, 219 N State Rt 2, New Martinsville, WV 26155 with donations designated for the "Old Mausoleum Roof Fund."
To read the full obituary, please visit the Furbee Williams Funeral Home's website at https://www.furbeefh.com.