Jane Ferguson

Jane A Ferguson, born December 20, 1918 passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in Atlanta, Georgia on February 2, 2013. Born Jane Anderson in Bloomington, Indiana, she was the daughter of Farnum Shirkie and Blanche Dobson Anderson. At age two, she was stricken with polio and underwent many operations and extended hospital stays. As a polio survivor and later advocate of the vaccine, Jane lived her life as a true inspiration of strength to others. Growing up, she studied ballet, played tennis and golf and was an avid swimmer. She began studying music at an early age, played the piano, composed music for piano, and gave lessons while she was still in high school.

She graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana and received a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master’s degree in education at Indiana State University and did extended educational studies at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. She was a member of the Gamma Gamma and Delta Gamma sororities and held an educational membership with Delta Kappa Gamma.

Jane had a wonderfully interesting life as the wife of a career army officer who had served in World War II and fought in “The Battle of the Bulge” alongside the 101st Airborne Division. Together, they toured the world during which time Jane lovingly and supportively served as President and Chairman of the Army Officer’s Wives Clubs at all of the various Posts where her husband was assigned.

Mrs. Ferguson taught elementary school for 26 years serving the last 15 years at Central Elementary School in Sullivan, Indiana. Her passion for education combined with her love for her students was a credit to and an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to be in her classroom.

She was a hospital volunteer for 10 years at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana and for 4 years at the Terre Haute Columbia Regional Hospital. She also served proudly as Deacon of her Episcopal Church in Sullivan, Indiana.

Following her retirement from teaching for the next eleven years, she became the House Director for the Kappa Kappa Gammas at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. As she had been in her role as an elementary teacher, she again served as a mentor and positive role model to the young women of DePauw.

Jane is survived by her three children, Susan Jane Warren of Darien, Connecticut, Emily Ann Underwood of Tampa, Florida, and Scott Douglas Ferguson of Atlanta, Georgia. She was predeceased by her brother Dan F. Anderson. She had seven grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Known to them all as “Gigi”, she will always be remembered as a loving and adoring grandmother.

A service and celebration of Jane’s life will take place at 1pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the

H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home; 1020 Spring Street; Atlanta, GA 30309. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Disabled American Veterans” or “Wounded Warrior Project.”

Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com