Jane Piggott Henderson

Jane Piggott Henderson of Raleigh passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family on Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 2022. Born June 29, 1951 in Davenport, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Woody Piggott.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Dick Henderson; son, Will (Christian) Henderson of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Katie (Rob) Bundy of Brooklyn, New York; three grandchildren, Will and Nell Henderson and Millie Bundy; brother, Tom (Mary) Piggott of Wilson, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews, and countless friends she considered family. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Piggott of Marietta, Georgia.

The University of the South was a special place to Jane. She graduated from Sewanee in 1973 as a member of the first class that included women. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dick.

Dick and Jane moved to Raleigh in 1973. Jane was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was generous and welcoming, and always opened her lovely home and heart to all who were fortunate to know her. Beautiful inside and out, Jane was a vivacious woman whose lovely smile, infectious laugh, and overflowing joy filled whatever room she occupied. She was an incredibly talented gardener, collector of beautiful art, and gracious cook and host who was always willing to swap a recipe and provide meals (and her ‘renowned’ chocolate chip cookies) to those in need. Jane’s love of travel was a joy in her life: visits to artists’ studios and galleries in the mountains and Penland area, and trips with Raleigh Fine Arts Society, French cooking school and English Antiques adventures, and a couples’ tour of Paris and Provence.

Jane’s zest for life led her to be active in her community and a multi-faceted volunteer. She was a member of the Junior League of Raleigh and the Raleigh Fine Arts Society. She enjoyed participating in the many programs they offer to our community, including her “Puppet Troupe” years ago and the RFAS Choral Celebration. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen and served on a St. Michael’s team for the Helen Wright Center for Homeless Women. Jane was devoted to her Thursday Bible Study group at St. Michael’s Church, whose members have been loving and caring for each other for 31 years. She was truly a selfless servant, always putting others’ needs before her own and ensuring her friends and family felt special, loved and valued.

Even her five-year battle with multiple myeloma could not diminish the joy Jane radiated. With Dick at her side, she fought through her diagnosis, each treatment, and new experimental trial with tremendous determination and courage. Her strength and grace during this time were steadfast. Jane’s medical team, including Drs. Mark Yoffe and Sascha Tuchman, played a pivotal role in helping her navigate her diagnosis and remain positive throughout her journey. Her family is so very grateful for the exceptional care Jane received and the numerous people who supported her during this difficult time.

A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. There will be a time of visitation with the family at the church prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. A private interment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Jane’s honor to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or your favorite charity.