Jane Bennett Bowne

Jane Bennett Bowne, 84, of Chattanooga, Tenn. died March 26, 2025 where she was most comfortable, at home, on her couch, in the morning sunlight, with her loved ones surrounding her. Raised as a Quaker, Jane would not appreciate a fuss being made about her, but having blessed so many lives and being unable, at present, to scold us, we’re inclined to boast on her behalf.

She was born June 19, 1940 in Richmond, Ind. to Everett W. and Marjorie (Thornburg) Bennett. She graduated from Richmond High School, class of 1957. On June 22, 1958, at the West Richmond Friends Meeting, she married Thomas Bowne. Together, the couple raised 5 children.

Because Tom’s work required a lot of travel, Jane assumed the responsibility of running the household, at times, single handedly. More than one tradesperson had to be reminded that she was perfectly capable of making decisions even if her husband was not at home.

She taught her children to sew, to dance, and to cook. She encouraged their individual interests while fostering independence and self-reliance. She instilled a sense of responsibility, both for themselves and the well-being of others. She always provided a calm, safe place during any of life’s storms. Patient and pragmatic, Jane believed there was a solution to any problem. She was endlessly creative with her ability to make do with what she had at her disposal. She embodied a quiet strength and valued realistic optimism. She was a champion for and role model to her children and grandchildren.

Her faith was observed in action. Jane never hesitated to put others’ needs ahead of her own or to share her time and talents freely. For a number of years while living in Wisconsin, she taught elementary special education. During that time, she and her mother-in-law created J & H Heart Company, a line of hand sewn dolls and puppets each with Individual Differences as a way to teach children about those with special needs. She and her sister volunteered with the Ronald McDonald house in Chattanooga. She helped organize the Teddy Bear Breakfast and for at least 3 years, rounded up her whole family to help prepare and serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the families staying at the RMHC.

Both she and Tom dedicated many years to Freemasons, Eastern Star and their affiliated organizations. Their volunteer work created lifelong friendships and took them all over the state. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Hixson Chapter #310 and Ooltewah Chapter #365. She served as an Officer for many years, before serving as Worthy Grand Matron in the Grand Chapter of Tennessee, in 2008. She was a Past President of the Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons Organization of Tennessee. She was an advisor to The Grand Chapter Youth Scholarship and the Eastern Star Training Award for Religious Leadership (ESTRAL). She was also an advisor in the International Order of the Rainbow Girls while her granddaughter was a member. Most recently, she served the General Grand Chapter as a committee member from 2022-2024.

She worked as an office manager for several area medical practices for 25 years before retiring. Seldom idle, she gave up on full retirement, and at the time of her passing was working 4 days a week in the offices of the Chattanooga Scottish Rite.

A devoted friend, wife, mother and grandmother, she will be missed by many, including her 5 children, Maureen Evans (Mike Hemsley) of Chattanooga, Tenn., David (Stephanie) Bowne of La Crosse, Wis., Scott (Dee) Bowne of Marietta, Ga., Beth Voiles of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Eric (Crystal) Bowne of North Little Rock, Ark.; 9 grandchildren, Tom (Sarah), Brianna (Daniel), Kellen, Torin, Dylan, Avery, Lauren (Shane), Harrison, and Kassidy; 6 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Alexis, Klay, Vaeda, Lowell, and Noelani.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Tom; sister, Luanne Emerson-Smith; and her parents.

A Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday May 10, 2025 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred in her name to Hixson Chapter #310, OES, 13102 Emerald Bay Drive, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379 or Chattanooga Scottish Rite, 1345 Hickory Valley Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN., has been entrusted with the arrangements.