Jane Heist Gilmer

Jane Heist Gilmer, 94, of Dunwoody, GA, died (April 28, 2020). She was born in Newark, NJ, in 1925 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Heist. Her beloved husband of 58 years, James E. (Jim) Gilmer, and siblings Ruth Heist King, Nancy Heist Wendt, and Harry W. Heist preceded her in death.

Jane attended Syracuse University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Syracuse swim team.

She was a homemaker during most of her married life, but did volunteer work in her later years. She was a member of the Assistance League of Atlanta, served as a patient escort at Dunwoody Community Hospital, and was a receptionist at the Dunwoody Baptist Wellness Center. As a member of Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church she volunteered in their thrift shop and food pantry. She later was a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church.

Jane loved traveling with her family, whether overseas to Russia, Germany or Normandy, or to beaches at Hilton Head, Jekyll Island, or Bermuda. She also delighted in day trips to Andersonville and Chattanooga and overnight trips to Highlands, Philadelphia or San Antonio.

Jane resided at Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community in her final years, where she enjoyed swimming, bridge, mahjong, and Jeopardy. She was an avid reader, especially partial to suspense and mystery novels. While in her 70’s Jane developed enough computer knowledge to email friends and family, pay bills online, order merchandise, and join Facebook.

Known affectionately as “Lady” to her family, she is survived by her daughters, Nan Gilmer Long (Mac) of Athens, GA, Margaret B. Gilmer of Boonton, NJ, and son Jim Gilmer, Jr. (Lia) of Brookhaven, GA. She was also very proud of her three grandsons, Jamie Gilmer (Becca) of Seneca SC, Robert Gilmer (Shanna) of Columbia, SC, and Billy Gilmer of Shawnee, OK. Jane also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Tinsley, Sam, Carson, and Andrew, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill is in charge of arrangements and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.