Jane Allen Medearis

Jane Allen Medearis
After devoting her life to her family, Jane Allen Medearis passed away following a long battle with Alzheimer’s, on Monday, February 22, 2021, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by family and caregivers.

Jane was born in Limestone County, Alabama on January 6, 1932, and raised in Pulaski, Tennessee. She was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at Giles County High School. In addition to excelling in academics, Jane was involved in many school activities, including the band (Drum Major and French horn), Glee Club, Student Council, Oral Poetry Interpretation, Latin Club, Dramatic Club, and Beta Club.

Jane attended Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, leaving upon marrying her high school sweetheart, Harvey Dean Medearis, III. The newlyweds traveled to the big city of Chattanooga to honeymoon at the Patten Hotel, “the most elegant public house in all of its appointments to be found in any city in the South.” They returned to Pulaski where Jane began her life’s mission as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Jane and Harvey and their three children moved to Chattanooga in 1970, where she lived the rest of her life. Jane did volunteer work for Head Start and worked in sales at Loveman’s Department Store, later
Proffitt’s.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, working crossword puzzles, and was an avid sports fan. Jane followed the Braves and whomever Peyton Manning was playing for. She was a big supporter of the Chattanooga Football Club attending its first rain drenched game 2009 and most games until she was no longer able. She had her picture made with Landon Donavon, Stu Holden, and Brian Ching of the U.S. National Team. She also enjoyed going to UTC football games, especially the pregame march of the band through the Pavilion and the halftime shows by the band.

Jane was a breast cancer survivor in her 70’s.

After retirement, “Mama Jane” spent much of her time caring for her grandsons, serving as their
Chauffeur behind the wheel of the minivan, and attending their many school and athletic events. She loved those grandkids and they loved her. As her oldest grandson posted: “She never saw the worst in anyone. She saw you to your core and saw the best parts about you even if you didn’t see them. She always had that smile. Always had the most positive attitude even when the world was bringing its worst. Nothing could break that about her. She was little and opinionated and always spoke her mind, but she always brought that light with her wherever she went.”

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Marie Allen and her brothers, Paul (Sue) Allen and

Bill (Peggy) Allen of Nashville. She is survived by her children Harvey Dean (Judy) Medearis, IV, Betty (Bruce) Owens and John (Jill) Medearis; sister‐in‐law, Sue; grandchildren Gena (John) Gibson, Stephen Owens, Allen (Savannah) Medearis, and Trevor Owens; great grandchildren Zane (Teal) Gibson, Gavin (Chandler) Gibson, Chandler Gibson, Stephen Russell Owens, Emmett Owens, Joseph Owens, Dorothy Owens, Hadley Medearis, Jude Medearis, and Merritt Gibson; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family thanks the following caregivers who provided compassionate and loving care to Jane in her final years: Katie, Jane, Jimmie, Halie, and Anna; the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Hospice of Chattanooga; and Monica, Takil, Ann, Lisa, Dellia, and Qunttella of Old Fashioned Hearts.

No services are planned at this time due to the pandemic. Those wishing to make memorial
Contributions, please consider Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org and the Erlanger Foundation at www.erlangerfoundation.org .

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Allen Medearis, please visit our floral store.