Jane Griffith, age 89 of Floyd, Virginia, died on July 4, 2023.
She was born in Portsmouth, Va., the daughter of the late Belle Gordon Nelson Griffith, and the late Brig. Gen. Samuel Blair Griffith (USMC Ret.) Her father was a scholar of Chinese history (D. Phil, Oxon.) and the translator from the Chinese of "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
She graduated from Granby High School, Norfolk, Va., received a BA degree from Hollins College, Roanoke, Va., an MA in Teaching from the University of Maine-Farmington, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Adler University, Chicago. She was a Licensed Certified Professional Counselor in private practice and a professor at Adler University, Chicago, where she retired as Professor Emerita.
She was married to 1st Lt. William John Bell (USAF) of Norfolk, Va., who was killed in action in Korea in October 1953. They had a son, William Bell. Three years later, Ms. Griffith married Robert Kyger Rushing of Jackson, Mississippi. After 15 years, and the births of two sons, Bruce and Robert, the marriage ended in divorce. In 1979 she married Robert L. Powers of Chicago, Ill., to whom she was married for 35 years. He was an Episcopal priest, professor and therapist. Together they co-authored three books on Adlerian psychology. They later retired to Port Townsend.
After Bob Power’s death, Ms. Griffith moved to Floyd in 2014. She enjoyed reading and was a book club member. She was a classical music lover who attended local concerts and served on the board of the Virginia Blue Ridge Music Festival. She volunteered in various activities of the Floyd Fine Arts Center, as a member of the Events Committee. She enjoyed living in Floyd.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Powers; her sister Bell Gordon Heneberger; her brother-in-law, Harry Heneberger; and her nephew, Tracy Heneberger. She is survived by her three sons: William John Bell (Joanne) of Floyd, Va., Bruce Griffith Rushing of Walpole, New Hampshire, and Robert Kyger Rushing (Julia Rouse) of Port Townsend; six grandchildren; Bradley Sime (Karla), Darcie Luster (Griz Wilber), Samuel Bell (Alyssa Archer), Sierra Bell (Jason Smith), Grace Rushing (Chris), and Casper Rushing ; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three stepchildren; Sarah Knight (Dan), Rachael Powers, and John Powers (Jen); and four step-grandchildren; her niece, Belle Heneberger (Joseph Melancon) of Sarasota, Florida; and her niece-in-law, Susan Mayr of Woodstock, New York.
A family ceremony is being held at a later date.
