Jeanne Mero Privett, 94, passed away March 23, 2016 with her daughter by her side. She was the youngest child of the late Russell Harold Mero and Mary Perry Mero.
Jeanne was predeceased by her brothers Harold Mero and Robert Mero; her sisters, Edna Keith, Marjorie Porter, Sybil Bulloch, and Gertrude Gompf; her loving husband of 66 years, Henry Lee Privett Jr.; her son, Russell Lee Privett Sr.; and her great-grandson, Noah Lee Robinson. She is survived by a son, H. Vaughan Privett of Norfolk; and a daughter, Linda Privett Robinson and husband James Robinson of Chesapeake. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Melissa McCormick and husband John of Norfolk, Russell Lee Privett Jr. and wife Anne of Durham, N.C., Barry Privett of Norfolk, LeeAnn Privett of Hickory, N.C., Shari Robinson of Chesapeake, Elizabeth Culpepper and husband Wayne of Portsmouth, Adam Robinson and wife Ashley of Portsmouth, Kevin Robinson of Durham, N.C.; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanne was born and raised on the water in Portsmouth which sparked her passion for fishing, boating and beach activities in later life. She graduated Woodrow Wilson High School and entered Parrish Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. After receiving her RN, she went on to teach the first class at Maryview Hospital School of Nursing and coached their basketball team. She soon married and left nursing for a short period of time to raise her family. Jeanne then re-entered nursing as the only night RN on the maternity floor at Portsmouth General Hospital where she worked for 25 years. She and her husband retired to Hatteras Island with their son, Russell, and his family where she was able to indulge in her passion for beach life. She spent countless hours fishing and people-watching on the beach in Salvo. She became a local icon, and everyone looked for Jeanne's beach buggy to ask her for fishing advice. She was an active member of the NCBBA and the Women's Auxiliary of the Salvo Volunteer Fire Department. She was also a volunteer for the National Wildlife Refuge Turtle Patrol. Jeanne and her husband returned to the Portsmouth area in 2006 where they spent their remaining years with family.
The family would like to thank the staff of Senior Corps, with a special thanks to Crystal, Amy, and Beverly, for their care and compassion through very difficult times.
There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 28, at Foster Funeral Home in Portsmouth and a celebration of her life on Tuesday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at Foster Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.