On the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, Jeannine Ward Sibbers, 93, passed through the gates of Paradise, where she will prepare to make her final journey to her eternal home in Heaven.

Jeannine was born on January 6, 1933, in Poquoson, Virginia, or, as she so proudly proclaimed, "Bull Island." She graduated from Poquoson High School in 1950 and went on to attend and excel at Radford College. Returning home in 1954, she pursued a career in early childhood education and dedicated her life to teaching and serving her community.

In 1952, Jeannine earned the prestigious honor of becoming the first Miss Poquoson, along with receiving numerous other awards and recognitions during her years at Poquoson High School and Radford College. She was passionate about education and making a positive impact on the lives of her students in Poquoson and the surrounding communities. She was a co-founder of the Trinity United Methodist Church preschool program and taught in the Poquoson School System for 31 years.

In 1957, Jeannine married the love of her life, Charles "Chip" Sibbers. Together they raised three beautiful children. Jeannine devoted her life to her family, serving as the ultimate homemaker while maintaining a career she loved. Upon retiring from the Poquoson School System in 1991, she devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren and spending time with her ever-growing family.

Even in retirement, Jeannine continued to serve others by delivering Meals on Wheels, teaching Sunday School at Trinity United Methodist Church, singing in the church choir, volunteering for vacation bible school, and ensuring her family gathered together for Sunday dinners whenever possible.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Chip" Sibbers; her father, Henry Steven Ward; and her mother, Anna Charline Amory Ward.

Jeannine is survived by her three loving children, Linda (Jack) Hunt, Don Sibbers (Della Gehrmann), and Lisa (Todd) Bowden; her brother, Don (Liz) Ward; her sister, Anna Marie (Gary) McLain; her grandchildren, Leeanne (Charles) Ratcliff, Royce (Emily) Bowden, and Jeannine (Colton) Ketchum; her great-grandchildren, W. McRae Ratcliff, Reese Ketchum, and Carter Ratcliff; as well as her nieces, nephews, and Zoe and Sabian (Nicha) Gehrmann.

Jeannine's family would also like to extend a special thank you to her nurses, Barbara Campbell, Jasmine Barnes, Madison McDaniel, Liz Hicks, and Brenda Moore; her physician, Dr. Chuck Phillips; Dorothy; and the staff of Hidenwood Pharmacy; Trinity United Methodist Church; and the Poquoson Fire Department for their compassionate care and support.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jeannine's life on Thursday, July 2. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.