Jane Garland Richardson

Jane Garland Richardson passed away surrounded by many of her loving family members at UT Medical Center on Tuesday, November 4 at the age of 84. A celebration of Jane's life will be held on November 22nd at The Barn Event Center at 7264 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, with a service beginning at 2:00pm by Rev. Linda Wilder McHenry and Rev. SM Johnson Atchley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jane's memory to the Stephens Cancer Gift Fund at 1926 Alcoa Highway, Suite 310, Knoxville, TN 37920. Jane was born July 31, 1930 in Kingsport, TN to Jack Warren and Martha Potter Garland who preceded her in death – Jack in 1974 and Martha in 1995. She also lost her eldest son, Michael Gordon Richardson to a heart attack in 2010 and carried his living memory with her until her death. Jane is survived by her children – daughters Jorjan Richardson and Beth Richardson, son Wade Richardson, and daughter-in-law Linda Richardson; eight wonderful grandchildren and their spouses, with eight delightful great grandchildren, and another on the way; brothers Dan Garland, Richard Garland, and Tom Garland and sister-in-law Pat Garland. Although they divorced in 1970, Jane would want to mention that her children's father, Everett Gordon "Rich" Richardson, passed away in 2005. Jane moved with her mother, father and two of her brothers - Richard and Tom - to Oak Ridge, TN in January 1944. Her oldest brother, Dan stayed in Erwin, TN to care for their aging grandparents Big Zeke and Florence Garland. Jane graduated from Oak Ridge High School in June 1948, married the following November and had her first child a year later. After the youngest of four children started school, she worked as the Executive Secretary for the Oak Ridge Art Center – a fancy name for "doing everything." Jane then moved to the Daniel Arthur Rehabilitation Center as an administrative assistant. From there, Jane began her higher education at the University of Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in 1978. Jane's education at UT led to a 21 year career at Maryville College in student development. While at the College, Jane reached the position of Dean of Students, and she is mentioned in the book By Faith Endowed: The Story of Maryville College 1819-1994, written by Dr. Carolyn Blair and Dr. Arda Walker. Colleagues and friends who worked with Jane at the college assert that she had a most significant impact on both the college institution and the students who she served during her time there. While working at Maryville College, Jane moved to Townsend, TN to a small mountain house built for her by her son Wade, which is where she lived until her death. At retirement, Jane traveled across the country and into Canada on a tent camping trip. Upon her return, Jane began volunteering at an art gallery. Four years later she opened a gallery with her son Wade, which featured local and regional hand crafted artwork. Jane loved art in all forms and spent much of her time creating, supporting and advocating for the arts. In 2007, Jane co-founded the Townsend Artisan Guild, which thrives in the community today. Jane was actively involved throughout her adult life in civic affairs, as well as in her church. She volunteered her time and donated to numerous charities that she held dear to her heart, including spending time visiting those in hospice care. Jane's life was filled with ups and downs, sadness and happiness, as she traveled the long journey from childhood to the end of her life. She was incredibly supportive of every member of the amazing family that she headed as the matriarch, and loved each of them immensely. She was a loving and loyal friend. Her smile will be remembered as a beautiful and bright greeting to all who knew Jane. She will be dearly missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jane Garland Richardson please visit our Sympathy Store.