Jane Easter Pounds, 84, died June 17, 2022. Born March 22, 1938, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Cleveland Pounds; parents, Lucille Goodwin Easter and John Clay Easter, and her sister, Carolyn Easter Crawford.
Survived by her sons James Cleveland Pounds, Jr. (Debra) and Thomas Crawford Pounds (LeeAnn), along with her grandchildren: Allison Pounds Crutcher (William), John Pounds, Morgan Pounds, and Ansley Pounds. Jane was such a vibrant, talented, and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend.
Jane was a graduate of Walker County High School (Jasper) and the University of Alabama where she was a member of Kappa Delta Phi (Education Honorary), Mortar Board (Leadership and Service Honor Society), and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
She taught in the Jefferson County School System and began a new career working with her husband in all areas of his insurance brokerage.
Jane was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where she served on the Vestry and was privileged to be Senior Warden. Other ministries in St. Stephen’s that she served with include: Altar Guild, Special Events, Cursillo, Grounds Committee, including the Columbarium Advisory Committee, Finance, Simply Prayer, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, and Lay Chaplains. Due to her loving servant leadership in so many areas at St. Stephen’s, Jane earned the nickname “Saint Jane.”
She spent her life constantly serving both in and outside the walls of St. Stephen’s. From delivering meals, driving friends to the doctor, going to the store for others – no need was too big or small. She simply enjoyed nothing more than serving others. She would tirelessly lend her ear, her time, and her many talents to anyone who asked. She also was an amazing caregiver to her husband for 15 years, while they so faithfully and courageously battled the effects of his leukemia.
Jane loved to create, but always with the purpose of serving. One of her true passions was needlework, and her work can be seen around Birmingham as she worked on kneeling benches for many churches, in addition to her own. Her grandchildren were the lucky recipients of many treasured smocked items while growing up, which are now their own heirlooms. In the quietness of home, and many times in the wee hours of the morning, she knitted prayer shawls for the homebound or ill, along with precious baby blankets for new parents. She made prayer bracelets for those who needed comfort, or just to encourage and point to the Father.
She prayed. Countless hours, both day and night, Jane lived in communication with our Heavenly Father. This was her calling.
Jane was fierce in her love of family. Her boys were loved unconditionally, along with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. There was nothing she would not do for any of her family, at any time. We could count on her to tell us exactly what to do in any situation.
Her love of flowers and talent for gardening was also widely known. It would not be unusual for a starter plant to show up on a porch as she loved to share plantings from her beautiful and peaceful garden. She took great care in working with the Altar Guild at St. Stephen’s to maintain just the right balance of flowers and plants, with perfectly pressed linens to enhance the atmosphere appropriately.
Jane was also an avid reader whose interests spanned across many genres, a University of Alabama sports fan, faithful PBS viewer, and a music lover who enjoyed attending Broadway musicals. As a former teacher who never lost her desire to be a lifelong learner, she generously shared what she learned by providing devotions, news articles, and books to her family and friends.
Let us all live like Jane Pounds. Through Christ Jesus, loving and serving others humbly with all of our hearts and praying without ceasing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be provided in furthering Jane’s legacy to either the Memorial Gardens or Pastoral Care funds at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, https://www.ssechurch.org/give-1, 3775 Crosshaven Dr., Vestavia Hills, AL 35223.
The Memorial Service will be on Thursday, June 23 at 11 am and will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Nave in Cahaba Heights/Vestavia. A reception will follow in the church’s Gathering Space.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Pounds family.
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