Jane Janes

Jane E. Janes, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 8, 2024. Born into a family deeply rooted in both science and the arts, Jane was the daughter of Research Biochemist George Edwards at the University of Florida and String Instrument Teacher Helen Dahlgren Edwards. Her father’s career led to many exciting experiences, including trips to the Kennedy Space Center, where she witnessed early space launches and even met astronaut John Glenn. From the age of three, Jane and her three sisters were raised with music as a central part of their lives, each playing the viola, violin, or cello. Jane’s talent with the violin led her to perform with various orchestras while still in middle and high school. She once played with the Winter Haven Youth Orchestra, the Florida Camerata, the Gulf Coast Symphony, and the Winter Park Symphony. The Florida Camerata traveled to Poland and throughout Florida, performing under the direction of her mother, Helen Dahlgren Edwards, and dear friend Dr. Virginia Starnes Davidson.

Jane was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, Florida, before joining St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton, Georgia. Her generous spirit and loving nature were evident in everything she did, whether ushering, working in the church gardens, or serving as a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. Her compassionate nature also led her to work as a parish nurse, where she cared for her community.

A proud member of the PEO Sisterhood and the Rotary Club of Clayton, Jane was always the first to volunteer. Whether she was helping with the Community Dental Clinic, cooking for high school football games, distributing dictionaries to third graders, assisting with social events, or contributing to the annual Rotary Christmas float, Jane’s radiant smile and welcoming spirit were constants. She became a fast and steadfast friend to newcomers and was known for her kindness and unwavering positivity.

Her career path was as varied and vibrant as her life. Jane attended Florida State University, where she worked at the Florida Capitol for Governor Claude Kirk. She later returned home to Winter Haven, Florida, to work at Cypress Gardens in the photography department her father created while attending night school. In 1975, she earned a degree in Economics and Accounting from Rollins College, which led to a successful sales career with National Cash Register (NCR). As the second female on the Southeast sales team in the U.S., Jane made her mark in a traditionally male-dominated field. After just one year, she was transferred to NCR’s world corporate headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, where she traveled across the country for work.

A new chapter in her life began when love, marriage, and the birth of her son brought her to Chicago, where she became a dedicated full-time mom. Her thirst for knowledge never ceased, and she earned an MS in Economics from Northwestern University before returning to Florida to raise her son. Always committed to helping others, Jane pursued a degree in nursing, leading to a fulfilling 20-year career in healthcare. She worked in post-op surgery, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and other departments. She married Frank Janes later in life, and they lived in Matlacha, Florida, before moving to Clayton, Georgia. Frank passed away unexpectedly in 2017, but Jane continued to serve her community with grace and strength.

Jane’s presence will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Her laugh, smile, grace, and love touched countless lives. While the hole she leaves behind in our hearts is deep, we will forever cherish the memories we shared with her. Jane was a woman of great warmth, compassion, and strength, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her beloved son, Andrew Johnston (Lesley); her sisters, Patricia Ann Howard (Stace), Carol Jean Curran, and Christina Grant (John); her nieces and nephews, Anna Vickerman, Esther Schultz, Ruth Culbertson, and John and Parker Grant; as well as numerous friends and family members who loved her dearly.

 A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 260 Warwoman Rd, Clayton, GA 30525.

Hunter Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jane Janes. To leave a condolence, please visit www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.