Jane Railey Chitty

Naomi Jane Railey Chitty, of New Bern, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, surrounded by her three children. Born October 2, 1935, in Newsoms, Virginia, she was the eldest daughter born to the late John Richard and Caroline Worrell Railey. In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband of 63 years Malcolm Reid Chitty Sr., her grandsons Aubrey and Railey Pitts, and sister Rosalyn Railey Johnson.

Jane is survived by her three children: Catherine Chitty Pike (Joseph) of New Bern, Susan Chitty Pitts (Douglas) of Glen Alpine, Malcolm Reid Chitty Jr. (Lisa) of New Bern; five grandchildren: Lauren Chitty Smith (Garrett), Malcolm Reid Chitty III, Jane Street Simmons, Railey Eva-Donnie Pitts, Aaron Aubrey Pitts; one great-granddaughter Evelyn Jane Ratledge; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jane was a graduate of Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia, and completed her education at Longwood College (now University) in Farmville, Virginia, receiving a B.S. in Business Education. While attending Longwood, she was a member of the Lancers Women’s Basketball Team. She was also named Theta Chi Dream Girl of Duke University, her future husband’s alma mater.

After graduation and marriage in 1957, Jane moved with Malcolm to Memphis, Tennessee, where she began her career in business working at the famed Sterick Building. The following year, the couple moved to Middletown, Pennsylvania, and resided on the Olmstead Air Force Base for three years. In 1961 the couple moved to New Bern where together they began a private optometric practice and built it into one of the 10 largest optometric practices in North Carolina.

Jane was very involved in church and civic activities. She was an accomplished pianist and organist serving her church and community with her talent. At First Baptist Church, she expanded her musical interests by playing in the Adult Handbell Choir for many years. Also at FBC, Jane was a faithful member of the Jane Marshall Jenkins Sunday School Class and served as president numerous years, was a Vacation Bible School Volunteer, nursery worker, and volunteer for Project InAsmuch. Civic activities included being a member of The New Bern Woman’s Cub, New Bern Historical Society, New Bern Garden Club, and volunteering for the annual MS Bike-athon.

Jane enjoyed playing bridge with her lifetime New Bern girlfriends, studying the history of Colonial Tidewater Virginia, researching her genealogy, learning about antiques, and cheering for the Duke Blue Devils. Her greatest love was spending time with her five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Her unwavering determination, talents, energy, loyalty and classiness will be missed.

Jane’s memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at First Baptist Church of New Bern, officiated by Dr. Richard Seagle. The family will receive friends 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service. A private family graveside service will be held later that day at Greenleaf Memorial Park of New Bern. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, PO Box 1463, New Bern, NC 28563.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Chitty family.