We lost our precious Jane unexpectedly on February 24, 2024. Strong and spirited, she led a dynamic, passionate life.

A resident of Richmond, VA., since age 12, Jane grew up, attended Ferrum College and Old Dominion University, and later taught high school Distributive Education. She married her true love, Bob McKinley, and together they raised two amazing children, Melissa and Logan. Jane later earned her master’s degree from VCU, as well as several certifications in business. She worked many years as a Project Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Along with nurturing her growing children and assisting Bob in his entrepreneurial pursuits, Jane enjoyed traveling with Bob and friends. She was active with the local garden club and volunteering with her church, her beloved Crestwood Farms neighborhood, and with Habitat for Humanity. Jane’s love for gardening bloomed into tireless designing and planting in her wooded yard, which became a notable stop on her neighborhood garden tours. Her budding interest in yoga grew into a passionate part of her everyday life.

Following the death of Bob and her subsequent retirement, Jane grew restless for new adventures. She took off for Europe, Mexico, and Ecuador among others. In 2015 she and friends completed a 25 mile Between the Waters Bike Tour on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Charmed by the natural beauty of the area, Jane spent a cold January in Cape Charles to “test” it as her possible new home – and it passed! She sold her home of 35 years in Bon Air and moved into the next chapter of her life.

Jane morphed into her full potential in Cape Charles. She became a Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Landscape Design Consultant, and was a member of the Cape Charles Tree Advisory Board. With a native plant specialty, Jane developed her business, McK Designs, to provide landscape design and consultation. Her energy, ideas, and organization were invaluable as a civic and environmental activist.

Jane’s life was full of love. Love of family and friends; love of the Earth; love of laughter, parties, music, dancing, and fine red wine; love of traveling, hiking, and bicycling; love of a good book; and especially, love of Mickey, her standard Poodle who went everywhere with Jane, as well as being a therapy dog in schools and nursing homes.

Family left behind include Jane’s mother, Martha Ballew Luck and stepfather R. Kenneth Luck; sister Bee Tufts and husband Mike; daughter Melissa Sharifi; son Logan McKinley and his wife Claire; and grandchildren. Jane was predeceased by her father, Charles “Chuck” Grigsby, and granddaughter Alissa Sharifi. Jane’s friends were numerous and precious; the family thanks them for their love and support during this sad time.

Memorial services for Jane will be held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA., on March 23, 2024, at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation or The Sierra Club.

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