Jane Shanks Stephenson

Jane Elizabeth (Shanks) Stephenson was born on October 24, 1927 in Rogersville, Tennessee, and died on June 3, 2015 in Edmonds, Washington. Jane was the only daughter of Oscar E. and Margaret (Mimi) C. Shanks. She was a loving sister, second mother and confidante to her three brothers Gene, Bill and Ellis. Janes family moved from Tennessee to Washington DC while she was in high school. Jane graduated from George Washington University in 1949 with a BA in Theater. She was president of Phi Mu Sorority and was proud of her radio career at GWU. Jane met her husband Donald L. Stephenson (USSN Ret.) while he was studying at Georgetown University. After coaching Don on a touchy break up with a gal in his hometown, Don informed her that she was now going to have to be his date for dances! Dons scheme worked and they were married in 1949. Jane became a Navy wife in 1952 and spent the next 23 years moving the family from coast to coast many, many times. Don and Jane retired to Edmonds, Washington, where they enjoyed a full life of travel, active involvement in church and spending time with their beloved grandchildren. Jane was an avid reader and loved a good mystery story! She enjoyed walking and volunteering her time at local schools. Janes greatest joy came from her chosen role as homemaker and mother. She was devoted to her four children and eight grandchildren, and played a role in raising each of her grandchildren at one time or another. Jane was an active member of the Baptist church; Saturday evenings would find her at the dining room table planning a Sunday school lesson for the next day. She was a woman of strong faith and is surely rejoicing in Heaven! The scripture readings Jane chose for her funeral service offer a glimpse into her character and faith: Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Psalm 139:1-10, 1 st Corinthians 13; and John 14:1-3. more, however, than Phil. 4: 11b + 13 which reads, 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ;background: white Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and her brothers Gene and Ellis. She is survived by her children, Rae Stephenson(Judy), Maggie Albertson(Ron), Nancy Moore (Dave) and Kathleen Hodges (Phil); brother Bill Shanks; grandchildren Liz, Rebecca, Alecia, Dan, Jane, Beth, Pat and Glen; great grandchildren Naomi Jane, Everett and Barrett; and numerous nieces and nephews. ;background: white Janes family offer sincere thanks to the staff of Rosewood Courte who so lovingly and respectfully cared for her. ;background: white A funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Becks Funeral Home in Edmonds, Washington. All who knew her are invited to attend. ;background: white In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimers Association. Learn more at href=http://www.alz.org www.alz.org . Announcement: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimers Association. Learn more at href=http://www.alz.org www.alz.org .