Jane Harrison Sullivan

December 25, 1923 – October 5, 2022

Jane Sullivan died October 5, 2022 after a short illness. She was born in Montezuma, Georgia where she lived a most fond and memorable childhood, and later moved to Kentucky before her family eventually settled in Nashville. Jane graduated from West End High School in 1943, and continued her education at Vanderbilt University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English as well as two graduate degrees. While at Vanderbilt she also met and married Walter Sullivan, a fellow undergrad whom she betrothed in 1947.

Jane taught English literature at Aquinas College where she was beloved by students as well as faculty members. She would constantly remind her students, “I would rather see your assignment as an English paper than a police report.”

Over the years, Jane and Walter cemented a shared love of English Literature, most especially the Southern writers. Together, they created a lively and welcoming home. On countless nights, Jane and Walter had a revolving door of friends and intellectuals who stopped in for storytelling, political and religious discussions, always served along with a delicious menu created by Jane. Even in their golden years the parties lasted until well past midnight.

Jane was a member of the Colonna Club as well as the Centennial Club of Nashville.

She will be remembered by her family as friends as a genteel, true Southern Lady with a strong character, quick wit, many stories, and love for her family. She was an avid swimmer and also enjoyed dabbling in photography, and would gladly accept a spirited round of Bridge. She was a most creative and accomplished cook, and she would also enjoy an occasional glass of afternoon Sherry while listening to Pavarotti.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Holmes and Inez Abernathy Harrison, her husband, Walter

Laurence Sullivan and her daughter-in-law, Lolita Newland Sullivan. She is survived by her daughter,

Pamela Sullivan Chenery (Gordon), and her sons, Walter Laurence Sullivan, Jr. (Molly) and John Harrison

Sullivan; her grandchildren John Taylor Chenery (Jamie), Christopher Harrison Chenery (Mary Boyd), Anne Laurence Chenery Hawkins (Caleb); Elizabeth Sullivan Wilson (Alex), William Laurence Sullivan (Kaylin), and Katherine Milam Sullivan; and nine great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass and burial were held privately. Donations in Jane’s memory may be made to St. Cecilia Congregation, 801 Dominican Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37228.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Sullivan family.