Jean E. Geiser

Jean Elizabeth Geiser, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at The Legacy of North Augusta in Staunton, Virginia, after a long journey with dementia and other health challenges.

Jean was born on February 14, 1948, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Graybill) Geiser and grew up in Bridgewater. She spent most of her adult life in Fishersville, where she built a career, raised a family, cultivated lifelong friendships, and became a familiar presence in her community.

Education and helping others were central threads throughout Jean’s life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison University in 1970, a Master of Arts in 1981, and an Educational Specialist degree in 1988. She spent fifteen years teaching art in Staunton City Schools before beginning a second career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. For many years she worked in substance abuse recovery and private practice, helping others navigate difficult chapters in their lives.

Jean was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church, in Fishersville, where she played piano for many years. Music, faith, creativity, and community remained important to her throughout her life.

Those who knew Jean will likely remember her less for her resume than for her presence. She loved people. She loved conversation. She loved a party, a gathering, a holiday meal, or any excuse to bring people together. She enjoyed gardening, creating art, decorating for celebrations, and making everyday occasions feel special. She was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and a table full of food.

Like all of us, Jean’s life cannot be summed up neatly in a few paragraphs. She was creative, social, spirited, independent, and deeply human. She left an impression on many people over the course of her life, and the stories shared by those who knew her will undoubtedly reflect the many different roles she played: teacher, counselor, friend, sister, mother, grandmother, church member, host, and artist.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Cline and her husband, Mark of Weyers Cave, Virginia; her granddaughter, Jessica Hatter Koenig and her husband, William of Cincinnati, Ohio; her son, Robert Miller and his partner, Deana Sensabaugh; her grandchildren, Kadence and Tanner Tomlin, of Verona, Virginia; and her sister, Judith Keller Geiser of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at a later date. In keeping with the way she lived, family and friends will be invited to come together, share stories, and enjoy one another’s company.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America (P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Legacy of North Augusta and the Legacy Hospice team who cared for Jean with kindness, compassion, and dignity during her final months.