Dr. Edward D. Jervey (“Dr J” to his cherished Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority), passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, with his beloved wife Brenda by his side. He was 93 years old.
Ed was born in 1929 in East Orange, N.J. and grew up in Atlanta. He met his first wife of 60 years, Thora Jo Thompson, on a Methodist Church Caravan in Northern Oregon in 1950 and married the following summer. He obtained B.A., M.A., DTH, and PhD degrees from Emory University and Boston University, served as a minister in Lakewood, Calif., and then taught history at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn., prior to his 30-year tenure at Radford College and subsequently Radford University from 1961-1991.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Thora Jo, and his eldest son, David. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of five years, Brenda Kay; his son, Warren, a daughter-in-law Jeanne, grandson Brett; son Tom; and granddaughters Katie and Peyton.
After his retirement in 1991, he remained closely involved with the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, and especially the Alpha Lambda chapter at Radford University, first as a chapter advisor and eventually as a “patron.” In the early 2010s, the Jervey Award was created at Radford University to honor the sorority that best promotes the spirit of unity across organizations. In 2022, he, and Past National President Martha DeCamp created the Jervey/DeCamp award to honor the collegiate chapter across the nation exhibiting the highest adherence to the ideals and integrity of the sorority.
As a long-time citizen of Radford, Ed served on the Radford City Council from 1980-1984, volunteered at the Radford Community Hospital, and supported his late wife, Thora, in her creation of the Radford recycling movement, the Radford Clothing Bank, and funding of the current Radford City Library.
Ed loved to travel and visited all seven continents, but especially enjoyed travels to the Caribbean, the Nordic Region, and Australia and New Zealand. After marrying Brenda, the two continued to travel, spending much of their time cruising to various exotic locations throughout the world. They were on a 45-day cruise to the South Pacific when his health began to falter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority at Radford University or St Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., in his remembrance.
After a private ceremony at the Drewry Family Cemetery in Capron, Va., a memorial service will be held for Ed in Radford. Details will be provided by his wife, Brenda, at a later date.
