Jane Lineberger Huffard

Jane Lineberger Huffard died peacefully on March 18, 2026, surrounded by her children. Jane will be remembered not only for the life she built, but for the way she lived it—with love, thoughtfulness and deep and quiet kindness. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the many lives she touched simply by being who she was. Her memory will be cherished by everyone who knew her and loved her.

Jane shared a lifelong partnership with her beloved husband of sixty years, John Huffard, a marriage built on deep affection and mutual respect. They lived the life that was inscribed inside their wedding rings, “my love, my life, forever”. Together, they raised a family that was the center of Jane and John’s world. She was the loving mother of two sons and one daughter, and a loving grandmother (“Tink” as she was known) to eight grandchildren. Jane was an amazing grandmother, mother and incredible wife.

Born on November 10, 1938, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in nearby Belmont, Jane was the second youngest of five children of Lillian Nunn Evans and Archibald Caleb Lineberger. Growing up in a close-knit family, she developed the warmth, wit, and quiet strength that would become her hallmark throughout her life.

Education was always important to Jane, but just as meaningful were the friendships and experiences that shaped her along the way. From her early years at Chatham Hall to her time at Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University—where she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta—and ultimately graduating in 1960 from Hollins College with a Bachelor of Arts in music and theological studies, Jane formed lifelong friendships and cultivated a love of learning that never left her. She was an extremely talented pianist and organist and loved filling a sanctuary or her home with beautiful music.

Atlanta became home in 1961, and it was there that Jane began building the life she would so thoughtfully nurture. After working at Armstrong Cork Company and Wachovia Bank and Trust, she married John Cloyd Huffard in 1966. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring traditions. Their years in Carrollton, Georgia, were especially formative, as they raised their three children and built a strong foundation for their family. In 1981, they returned to Atlanta, where Jane continued to deepen her roots.

Jane had a gift for bringing people together and making every space more welcoming and beautiful. One of her deep loves and amazing talents was entertaining. Whether it was a sophisticated event to support her husband’s work or a casual event to celebrate a family member’s birthday, she made it look beautiful and effortless. It brought her great joy.

She was very involved in her community. Through her leadership as past president of the Art Study Club and the Boxwood Garden Club, and her involvement with organizations such as ARCS, Hillside, Inc., and A Million Matters, she gave her time generously and led with both kindness and purpose. Her service on the Board of Visitors for the Lineberger Cancer Research Center reflected her lifelong commitment to supporting education and advancing meaningful causes.

Beyond her many contributions, it was the way Jane lived day to day that defined her most. She was a loyal friend, a thoughtful listener, and someone who never forgot a birthday, a milestone, or a moment that mattered. She found joy in books and lively conversation, in history and tradition, and in the simple pleasure of gathering with those she loved. Her involvement in her book club, history class, and the Colonial Dames of America reflected both her intellectual curiosity and her appreciation for connection.

Her faith was a steady and guiding presence in her life. At First Presbyterian Church, she quietly and faithfully served others through Meals on Wheels and the Flower Guild, embodying her belief that small acts of care could make a lasting difference.

Above all, Jane was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, a steady and caring mother, and a source of strength and encouragement to all who knew her. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, and her presence made life richer for those around her.

Jane leaves behind her three children, and a wide circle of family and friends who will remember her with deep love and gratitude. Her legacy lives on in the relationships she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless quiet ways she made the world a better place.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Huffard, her parents, Lillian and Arch Lineberger and her sisters, Dee Dee McKay, Harriette Steele, and Louise Roberts. She is survived by her brother, Arch Lineberger; her children, Jack Huffard (Katie) of McLean, VA; Gwyn Schneider (Tim) of Atlanta, GA; and Haynes Huffard (Wesley) of Atlanta, GA; She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jack, Sam and Brown Huffard of McLean, VA; Evans, Isabel and Porter Schneider of Atlanta, GA; and Hudson and Gill Huffard of Atlanta, GA.

A service celebrating Jane’s life will be held on March 29, 2026, at 2pm ET, at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309 followed by a reception at the Church. The service will also be live streamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/5817823

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her honor to the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Online Giving or the UNC Lineberger Cancer Research Center https://give.unc.edu/hfdonate?t=Jhuffard to support Parkinsons research efforts.