Obituary for Jane Lee Luke JANE LEE LUKE, Jackson, MS Jane Lee Luke, 64, was received into the loving arms of her Savior Sunday morning September 4, 2011. Her death occurred after an emergency illness earlier in the week. Jane was born as the first of three daughters to Walter Gleason Scrap Luke and Juanita Hagan Luke of Union, Mississippi on October 27, 1946 after her father returned from war. She was the granddaughter of the later Mr. and Mrs. James Sterritt Luke, Sr. of Union, Mississippi and the late Mr. and Mrs. Romney Oliver Hagan of Birmingham, Alabama. Jane grew up in a close and loving family surrounded by her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her family was her life. Jane accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was very active in Sunday School, Choir and Methodist Youth Fellowship. She served as president of the local and sub-district MYF and later volunteered as the Youth Minister and Pastors Secretary. Jane attended the public schools in Union, MS where she excelled in academics and music. She was an accomplished flautist and as a tenth grader was selected to perform as a member of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band and performed in Nice, France. She was a cheerleader, majorette and was chosen Miss Union High School. After high school graduation she attended East Central Community College where she served as cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. She entered Mississippi State University in the fall of 1968. She attended on an academic fellowship where she was a Deans List Scholar and a member of Cardinal Key, Alpha Delta Pi, and was selected one of the Best Dressed Co-Eds on campus. After graduating in June of 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree she taught school in Tupelo, MS, Union, MS and Clinton, MS. While teaching in Clinton she was chosen Outstanding Young Educator of the Year . Jane served as legal assistant to attorney Erwin Ward before entering a long and rewarding career with Methodist Rehabilitation Center where she was twice chosen Employee of the Year . For over thirty-six years Jane was dedicated to the mission of MRC. She was loved by every employee as was evidenced by their visits to the critical care unit at University Hospital this week. Her family was overwhelmed by the support from the MRC. Jane was a very kind, compassionate and caring friend. Even in death she was giving as she became an organ donor. Her sisters and their families were her joy. When her oldest niece, Lee graduated from the University of Alabama, Jane was there to celebrate with her. She was also cheering for her nephew, Matt as he played football for the Millsaps Majors. And when her nephews Luke and Hunter were cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point she attended Acceptance Day, Graduation, and Cadet Chapel with them. And finally, when her namesake, Molly Jane sang with the Mississippi College Singers Jane supported her whether in Provine Chapel, Carnegie Hall or cathedrals in Europe. She was pre-deceased by her parents and grandparents. She leaves to mourn her sisters: Nancy Luke Carpenter (Carol) of Columbus, Mississippi, Molly Luke Leiner (Jon) of Tupelo, Mississippi and her nieces and nephews: Lee Kindwall, Knoxville, Tennessee, Matt McCollough, (fianc Bonnie) of Mobile, Alabama, Luke Carpenter (Raena) Shreveport, Louisiana, Hunter Carpenter, Jackson, Mississippi, Molly Jane Carpenter, Columbus, Mississippi and her great nephew Carson Kindwall, Knoxville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her many cousins and her aunt Nancy Hagan Case. Her funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial and Gunter and Peel Funeral Homes of Columbus. The visitation will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Union United Methodist Church, Union, Mississippi. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm at the church with burial taking place in Union Cemetery. Her cousins will serve as pallbearers; Bill McMahen, Steve McMahen, Mike McMahen, Jim Luke, Joe Blount, and David Case. Honorary pallbearers will be the Administration and Staff of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center. Memorials may be made to Patient Care Fund at Methodist Rehabilitation Center, 1350 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, Mississippi 39216 or to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157.
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