Jane Kirkman Christopher, 86, a resident of Pleasant Garden, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17th, 2023, at Moses Cone Hospital, with Jamie, her daughter and dedicated nurse, by her side. She was born to the late Ed and Mary Ruth Kirkman on June 22nd, 1936 in Pleasant Garden. Jane is survived by her daughter, Jamie Blue-Matthews and husband, Mike; granddaughter, Olivia Blue-Taylor, and husband Tim; and grandson, Christopher Matthews, and girlfriend, Marlow Carralero; sister Carol Fields; several nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; and her sunshine, Bella Mae. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Tommy Kirkman; her husband, Ted of 50 years; and her special companion, Tommy Arrington.
Jane graduated from Pleasant Garden High School and attended King’s Business College. She spent many loyal years at GE Credit Corp., as a Collection Manager, and retired her business career at Kelly Services as a consultant. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Garden United Methodist Church, who was always present assisting in the annual Brunswick stew events, and providing her famous coconut pie, pecan pie, and her wonderful pound cake – as long as her health permitted.
Jane was an avid sports fan, bowler, and excelled in the game of Bunco. She loved her outside flower gardens and chose yard work versus laboring in the kitchen. She had a knack for fashion and home décor. However, her true joy and love centered upon her grandchildren, who knew her as “Nana”. She never missed a school or sporting event, and traveled miles to cheerleading competitions and golf tournaments – always their biggest supporter!
A special thank you to Dr. Dalton McLean, who managed her care in the most delicate manner with concern and compassion. As well as the 2H staff in the cardiovascular ICU. Words cannot also express the care and love Jane received from her 1.5 year caregiver, Mercedes Updyke, who was always available and just a phone call away. Jane remained positive through her 3 years of declining health, always with the response of, “I’m fine!”
A funeral service will be held at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at Pleasant Garden United Methodist Church in Pleasant Garden. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:45 P.M., inside the church sanctuary. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro, NC.
As Jane loved her flowers they will be cherished, or if friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Pleasant Garden United Methodist Church, located at 4834 Pleasant Garden Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Christopher family.
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