Jean Calvert Darby passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021 after a long period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, KC Darby. Her family finds comfort that her suffering has ended, and she is at peace.

Born in Frostburg, Maryland on May 22, 1933 to the Reverend Delford and Angeline Calvert. Jean was the middle sister between Colleen and Dot in this loving family. She grew up in various places in Virginia, as her father's ministry took them to numerous Methodist congregations.

At an early age, Jean found a calling to service. Not yet even in her teens, she was a member of the Ground Observer Corps, participating in the World War II Civil Defense effort by 1.5 million volunteers that were scanning the skies for hostile aircraft. After completing college at Randolph-Macon Women's College, she continued her service to the nation as mathematician for the US Navy. Her brilliant mind was one of those behind the successes of early rocket systems including the Vanguard Project. It was during her work on the Polaris Project that she met her future husband as they collaborated on this important Cold War system. Her service to the nation only concluded in 1992, when (in her words) "We won the Cold War; I can now retire."

Retirement allowed Jean to focus on her other passions, family, gardening, and cooking. She was a loving mother to her two sons with KC, and to his two sons and a daughter from his previous marriage. She was known as the communicator of her extended family, ensuring that everyone stayed in touch. After leaving government service, Jean enjoyed her time in the gardens and orchards of Ashmont Farm. She and KC were renowned for their tart Damson plum preserves and delicious apple butter. She was an avid chef and baker, especially at the holidays, where her dozens of yummy Christmas cookies served as the herald of her New Year's Day feast, crowned by a traditional roast suckling pig.

Jean was preceded in death by her stepson Guy and her beloved husband KC. All can find happiness during this tough time knowing that she is reunited with her one true love. She is survived by her sons Keith and Jamie, her sister and brother-in-law Colleen and Bob Miller, her sister and brother-and-law Dot and Dan Ivey, stepson Gary, stepdaughter Kay, and ten much-loved grandchildren.

The current COVID restrictions make a traditional memorial service untenable, so her family is choosing to wait. Their tentative plans are to conduct a memorial service in conjunction with her interment with KC at Quantico National Cemetery in the late spring or early summer.