Jane moved to Dothan about four years ago. Within the first few weeks of her arrival, Jane was in Waumba Land asking how she could help. Jane started to serve in the infant room. Jane LOVED taking care of the babies. She thrived when she could soothe a fussy baby. She flourished when she could reassure a young mother. She believed beyond a doubt that while she was rocking those babies, their mommas & daddies were in the auditorium learning about God. And that was important because what they learned, they could teach to their children.
But Jane was always aware that her heart was stronger than her body.
Eventually, Jane couldn't pick up the babies anymore. One of the other volunteers would put a baby into Jane's arms, and Jane would quietly and patiently rock the baby while she slept.
Jane loved serving in her church. She loved taking care of children. She loved partnering with their parents. And that's what she did. For as long as she possibly could.
We lost Jane this past December. But Jane's story isn't over. Because Jane loved to serve, she taught her son the importance of loving God through serving others. Her son has led his family to serve others and to use their gifts and talents. Jane's son and his family serve throughout Wiregrass Church in practically every environment as small group leaders for adults, women & students. They are out front and behind the scenes. If you're a volunteer who's eaten a doughnut, a visitor who's thrown a coffee cup into an emptied trash can, or a regular attender who's sang along with Jane's grandson, known as "the red-head kid rockin' the guitar" on stage, then you've been blessed by Jane's great legacy of service.
As for the babies that Jane loved so much, they are rambunctious two & three year olds now. They don't remember Jane, but they are nonetheless blessed. Because while she held them, they knew they were adored.
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| April, Natalie, Jane, Rachel and babies |
I miss her smile on Sunday. she was a sweetheart.'nancy waler
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