Jean McKee Dunivin—a Life in Art

Jean (“Jeanie”) McKee Dunivin, a long-term resident of Lake Ridge, Prince William County, Virginia, died from respiratory complications February 27, 2015. She was 85 years old. She is remembered as a floral designer, teacher, philanthropist, and prominent local artist whose life’s work reflected her passion for color and design and her compassion for family and friends. Among her most notable artistic works are a series of stained glass panels on permanent display at public buildings throughout Prince William County.

Jeanie was born at the Cook County Illinois Hospital just three weeks after the 1929 stock market crash. Born into an artistic family, her father, John Dukes McKee, was a successful commercial artist and her mother, Helen, was a photographer. Jeanie grew up in La Grange, Illinois during the Great Depression.

Following studies at the University of Colorado, Jeanie settled in post-WWII Washington, DC. During the early 1950’s Jeanie put her artistic talents to work as the highest-paid female floral designer in the city at Johnson’s Flower and Garden Center. There she served notable Washington D.C clients, including various Embassies, and Pat Nixon. During this time she met and married James Quinter Dunivin, who was employed by the Marriott Hotel Corporation.

From 1960 to 1967 Jeanie opened and operated her first business in DC, The Carousel Party Store, which she bought from the proprietors of Johnson’s Flower and Garden Center.
In 1970, the Dunivin family, including son John and daughter Jennifer, became suburban pioneers as one of the first families to settle into the new community of Lake Ridge, Va. During these years Jeanie returned to the floral design business and the Dunivins became early members of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

In 1980, Jim succumbed to lung cancer. Memorial contributions donated in Jim’s honor were collected to design and build a stained glass window for the original St Margaret’s “On the Hill.” In order to produce this window, Jeanie used her artistic talents to complete classes in stained glass techniques, applied for and obtained her business and wholesale licenses, and then taught stained glass techniques to 14 volunteers from St Margaret’s congregation. Together this group designed and produced a 10-panel, 9 by 24 foot stained glass window that is still on display at the original, now defunct, St. Margaret’s Church.

The production of the St Margaret’s window was the beginning of a 20-year career as an instructor for the NOVA adult education program. Over the years Jeanie’s home studio was the classroom for more than 800 students studying the fine art of stained glass design and production.

Working on a commission basis for patrons in the local area, Jeanie created 25 stained glass panels of various sizes and shapes that remain on display at neighborhood locations including: Belmont Grade School; Chantilly Library; Chinn Park; Dale City Mini-Library; King’s Park; Lorton Library; Manassas Central Library; Potomac Library; and Sterling Park Library

Jeanie was a devoted member of the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia communities for more than 60 years. She touched countless lives through her teaching, her community service, and her art. She will be missed.

A memorial service and celebration of Jeanie’s life will be held Saturday, March 14, 1p.m. at the new St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5290 Saratoga Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Her ashes will be interred at Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Hwy. Lorton, VA 22079 later that day.

Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers cash donations may be made to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, in Memory of Jean McKee Dunivin.
Well-wishers are welcome to post messages and photographs on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsofJeanieDunivinGroup/.