Jane S. Leachman Irby

Jane "Winks" Sebrell Leachman Irby of Chevy Chase, MD, beloved mother of John Pendleton Leachman, Jr. (Holly), Thomas Benjamin Sebrell Leachman (Ginny), and Scott Rawlings Leachman (Margie), died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 23, 2018. “Gabby” was also the proud grandmother of Penn Leachman (Katie), Jamie Leachman (Leah), Elizabeth Dey (Russell), Tyler Leachman, Tommy Leachman (Maxi), Scott Leachman, Larson Leachman, Meredith Leachman and Robert Leachman, as well as six great-grandchildren: Jackson, Addison, Luke, Rawlings, Palmer and Lilly.

Winks was born on January 29, 1928, the daughter of Benjamin Wilmer Sebrell and Jane Willis Rawlings, and she was raised in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She was a 1949 graduate of Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. Upon graduation, she was an elementary school teacher in Winchester, VA.

Winks’ unconditional love of her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds, and her family is blessed to have had her as an important, integral part of their lives. She was also fortunate to have had countless friends, as her kind-hearted and inclusive nature attracted a wide range of people who loved her company. All would agree that her charm and beauty could light up any room. She took pride in being a homemaker in the truest sense of the word, and you were welcome to enjoy a cocktail, a home-cooked meal or a laugh at a moment’s notice.

Winks was a life-long member of Columbia Country Club where she enjoyed playing bridge and socializing with friends, and she cherished her friendships through the Four Seasons Garden Club. She was also active in the Washington, DC community serving on the Parents Council of Washington, as well as other boards and committees whenever asked. She had a particular love for Landon School and the University of Virginia, and was generous in her support of most anything associated with friends and family.

Friends are invited to celebrate her life on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at 11:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Landon School in honor of the Leachman Scholarship Fund or to the Westminster Ingleside Foundation. Burial arrangements are private.