Born August 19, 1938 in Chester, South Carolina
Departed September 27, 2023 in Melbourne, Florida
Jane Elliott Chaney, 85, of Indian Harbour Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Born in Chester, South Carolina, she graduated from Rock Hill High School; she received her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Duke University and doctorate from Florida Atlantic. She retired from Brevard County School District in 1995 as principal of Palm Bay High School.
She lived most of her life in Florida moving to the state after college graduation to take her first job in education. She was a dedicated teacher as evidenced by her receiving Brevard County’s first Teacher of the Year Award for 1969-70 while she was a math teacher at Merritt Island High School. She held many administrative positions in Brevard’s public schools as well as in the district office. In every job Jane remained a teacher at heart as seen through her mentoring, encouragement and advocacy for students, teachers and administrators.
Jane had a passion for travel and the arts that she shared with friends and family. She traveled across the United States and internationally with a special group of friends who were also educators. Her generosity afforded her nieces and nephews opportunities to travel with her as well.
Preceded in death by her parents, Henry Gibson and Evelyn Hamiter Chaney, and her sister Eva Gwen Benoy; Jane is survived by sister, Karen C. Jones, 3 nephews and 3 nieces, 3 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew, and her lifelong friend, Martha L. Kamm.
Her family wishes to express sincere gratitude to her doctors, Dr. Solomon Zimm and Dr. James Ronaldson and their staffs, for the care and support they provided Jane over the years.
A celebration of life service will be held October 21, 2023, 11 am, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 North Riverside Drive, Indialantic, Florida. Online condolences may be made to the family at the Brownlie-Maxwell Funereal Home website, www.brownliemaxwell.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
7 entries.
Pamela Pagel
from Washington DC wrote on October 21, 2023:
Jane, or "Aunt Jane" to me was a force of nature in the best possible terms. She was brilliant, patient, kind, understanding and highly respected especially among some of the greatest educators in the county, state and beyond. For me she was a resource for so many things. She tutored me when I was in algebra and "turned on the switch" so it actually made sense. I went on to ace pre-calculous in high school and calculous in college that I credit to her complexly. More than that though she was a comforter to me at times, lead some of my earliest adventures (especially trips to New York City), supported and encouraged me in ways that made my heart sing. To get Aunt Jane's "well done" or "I think you're making the right choice" always gave me a huge boost of confidence. Her laugh, oh her laugh was infectious!!! I could go on and on about how amazing she was. I never knew a world without her. I know that she has family and friends that were much closer to her than I and my thoughts are prayers go out to all of you. Aunt Jane you are so missed, but your memory and contribution to this world will carry on for a very long time through the countless peers, students and friends that you touched. I love and miss you however, I am glad that you are finally home and at peace!!
Jeanette Crowley
from Indialantic wrote on October 20, 2023:
Jane was a remarkable human being and one of a kind friend. We could all learn from her loyalty. The world world was a better place because she lived.
Brenda Blackburn
from St. Augustine, FL wrote on October 17, 2023:
Dr. Jane Chaney was my boss, my mentor, and, best of all, my friend. She loved life and loved her work in education. I will miss Jane’s big laugh, her kindness, her wise counsel and our conversations. Her friendship was a blessing to me. Jane was there for me through both joyful and sad times over the 45 years of our friendship. My deepest condolences to Karen and family.
Victoria Deem
from Rockledge wrote on October 14, 2023:
My mom Pat Eyster worked and traveled the world together. Figi New Zealand and Australia for example. They also went to the opera and theater for years. They were early Trail Blazers for working women in education and many generations learned from them. She was there for every shower and wedding events in my life and was a blessing to know her.
David & Patty Martin
from Rockledge wrote on October 12, 2023:
Dr. Jane Chaney was a mentor and boss who challenged and inspired us to do what is right and good. She graced us with her optimism and humor, and modeled for us our purpose and mission as a team. Her lasting wisdoms include "It's amazing what you can get done when you don't care who gets the credit." She always expressed her "absolute faith" in us. We are blessed to to have known her.
Melody Bailey Pifer
from Merritt Island wrote on October 10, 2023:
My deepest condolences, Karen and family.
Jane was my Dad, Lee Bailey’s, best friend. They played cribbage, travelled, and visited, and dined together. Jane worked with Dad for a long time. She and Dad remained friends until his passing in 2012. I was so happy to visit with Jane before she passed. We reminisced and had a few laughs. She felt like a part of my family, and will be missed .
Valerie and Artie Alfano
from Indian Harbour Beach wrote on October 10, 2023:
She was my neighbor since 1994 and a wonderful friend !! She was my daughter's go to for Algebra and helped her through it! She will be greatly missed loved you Jane!!
Born August 19, 1938 in Chester, South Carolina