E. JEAN GIFFORD
E. Jean Gifford

East Randolph—E. Jean Gifford, 90, died early Thursday morning, March 8, 2007 at Gifford Medical Center.

She was born November 30, 1916 in Harrington, Del., the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Dutton) Lamplugh, and grew up in Wilmington, Del. She went to work at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in 1942, working as a secretary for her soon-to-be husband, Edson Emory Gifford, Jr. They had their first date on New Years Eve and were married the following February 20, 1943.

She and her husband moved to Vermont in 1945, where she helped raise their three children on the family farm. She worked at Homer Fitts Company in Barre from 1961-72. She joined the East Randolph Baptist church in 1956, where she served as a deaconess and on several other committees during the ensuing years.

She was devoted to her family and husband, whom she took care of for 14 years, after he had a stroke in 1989. He died in 2003.

Survivors include her children, Edson E. Gifford III of Buffalo, N.Y.; Loeata Jean Tillou and her husband, Daniel, of South Barre; and John P. Gifford and his wife, Betsy, of Bethel; grandchildren: Kim J. Gifford of Bethel, Johnny P. Gifford and his wife, Becky, of Bethel; Mark Gifford and his wife, Gretchen, of Stowe; Paul Gifford and his wife, Leah, of East Randolph; Mark Hurne and his wife, Stephanie of Essex; and David Hurne and his wife, Deanna of Burlington; and great-grandchildren: Maria Hurne, Gregory Hurne, Christian Jarvis,, Adam Osha, Catherine Gifford, Raine Gifford, and Avery Gifford.

She was predeceased by her brothers, William and Benjamin Lamplugh.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 12 at the East Randolph Baptist Church. Pastor Marty Bascom and Rev. Albert Collins officiated and Beverly Hansen was the pianist for the prelude. John and Betsy Gifford sang "Because He Lives," Albert and Virginia Collins sang "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," and Edson Gifford III sang "The Lord’s Prayer." The congregation sang "Amazing Grace," "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart" accompanied by Edson Gifford III on the organ and "Now I Belong To Jesus" accompanied by Edson, on the organ and Loeata Tillou on the piano.

Rev. Collins led a time of sharing along with several family members and friends. Joan Foster was the pianist during the slide show of memories. Pall bearers were David and Mark Hurne, Mark, Paul and John P. Gifford II and Kenneth Smith. A reception followed at the Randolph Baptist fellowship.

Burial will be in the spring at East Randolph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the East Randolph Baptist Church, c/o Ingrid Boette, P.O. Box 216, East Randolph, Vt. 05041. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home of Randolph.

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