Frances Jane McCreary

Frances Jane Bishop McCreary January 26th, 1925 - March 3rd, 2016 Janie, as her friends called her, grew up in “small town Dyersburg,” Tennessee, the youngest of six children. Outgoing, smart and hardworking, she was the editor of her high school newspaper and then became the first woman in her family to attend college. She selected the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1947 with a degree in business administration. Jane always spoke fondly of her days at UT, especially enjoying being a member of the Tri Delta Sorority, elected its secretary in her senior year. While at UT, she met Albert (Bud) McCreary, marrying him shortly after graduation, then they were off to Memphis for him to attend medical school. Jane quickly put her business degree to use, working in the administrative office of Camel Orthopedic Clinic to support the two of them during the med school years. In 1955, Jane had their only child, a daughter, Pam. Two years later, after her husband finished his residency in OBGYN, they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where he established his practice. In St. Pete, Jane discovered a love of sports, avidly taking up both golf and tennis. Her family often teased her that she used a wood from tee to green. But those short, straight shots got her pars and bogeys into her 70’s. In addition to enjoying both sports throughout her adult life, Jane was active in their respective organizations, ultimately becoming president of both The Lakewood Country Club Ladies Golf Assn. and Ladies Tennis Assn. She was also a member of a number of civic associations, but devoted most of her time and energy to the St. Petersburg Medical Women’s Auxiliary, eventually, becoming its president, as well. In her 50’s, Jane went back to school to become a realtor and then again to become a broker, working another 20 years building a successful career in real estate. Working full-time, Jane discovered that she had less time to plan and cook good meals. When she retired, Jane designed a cookbook which, as stated in the book’s dedication, was “inspired by seeing the need for such a book for all women, who try to juggle a career, community service, wife, mother, hostess, meal planning and housekeeping.” What’s for Dinner, a collection of menus with recipes for thirteen weeks, was organized in a three ring binder, allowing for the recipes to be removed, undercutting the need for a grocery list. The cookbook was published, enjoyed some local success and was favorably reviewed in The St. Petersburg Times. In 2005 Jane, at 80 years old, moved to Park Springs Communities in Stone Mountain, GA to be near her daughter and family in Atlanta. As hard as it was for Jane to leave St. Pete after 50 plus years, she jumped into life at Park Springs, making close friends and rediscovering her love of bridge. Her declining health in the last few years required a move to Cobblestone, the skilled nursing facility of Park Springs. No longer able to play bridge, she became quite the competitor at afternoon bingo! It was here at Cobblestone that Jane would live out her days under the attentive and loving care of the staff that always made sure she got her beloved cup of coffee with all meals and of course, that she made it to bingo. Jane, my mom, left us March 3rd to embark on her next grand adventure, now free to live without limitation and savor her morning coffee with two sweet & lows, a touch of milk but no thickener! Frances Jane Bishop McCreary is survived by her daughter, Dr. Pamela McCreary Battey, her son-in-law, Dr. Louis L. Battey, her granddaughter, Samantha Bishop Battey of Atlanta, GA, as well as two nieces, Frances Anne Johnson Ogletree, of Crossville, Tenn. and Pat Thurmond Wade, of Union City, Tenn. Jane will be laid to rest alongside her parents and siblings in her hometown of Dyersburg, Tennessee Saturday, March 12th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Park Springs Foundation (500 Springhouse Circle, Stone Mountain, GA. 30087) which funds educational scholarships for employees.