Jane Reed

For anyone who was lucky enough to meet Jane Reed and spend any amount of time with her, you know she radiated warmth. She welcomed you in, made you feel as if you were the most prized person in the room. She had a way of speaking, of storytelling, of engaging people in a way that made it seem like you’d known her forever.

Born in Staten Island, New York on August 13th, 1951 by her parents Robert and Emily, Jane was raised in Brielle, New Jersey and resided in many cities throughout her life. One city in particular, Savannah, Georgia, captured Jane’s heart, where she met and married her husband Richard (Rocky) Reed and had her beautiful daughter Sarah Reed (Winkler).

You cannot think of Savannah, Georgia and not also think of Jane Reed. She made the sweet southern city her home. For twenty years, Jane and her husband Rocky owned and operated a Bed and Breakfast called Amythest Inn (at Sarah’s Garden). There they welcomed guests from all over the country, showing them the highest level of hospitality. Jane’s work at the Inn was truly a representation of her personality. She always aimed to care for and love on anyone who came through her doors—something she would carry with her the rest of her life.

When Jane wasn’t entertaining, whether at the Inn or with friends, she was constantly creating. She always had multiple projects in the works: afghans, cross-stitches, crafts. It was rare to see Jane sitting still without a project at her fingertips. Jane also loved to cook—it was a sign of endearment for her. She knew everyone’s favorite dishes and would go out of her way to prepare them for her visitors. At Christmas time, she baked over 2,000 cookies and would prepare trays for friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors. If you came within 10 feet of Jane during the holidays, you were getting a tray of cookies.

Jane leaves behind a legacy of hospitality, deep friendships, creativity and sweet memories, along with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, Sterling Winkler, and granddaughter, Emerson Jane Winkler, who came into the world a month early just to get a glimpse of the special woman her grandmother was. We remember Jane as a mother, friend, confidant, life of every party, ultimate hostess. She will be missed and remembered by everyone who was able to bask in her warmth on this side of Heaven.