Mary Jane Chestnut

Mary Jane Chestnut was born Mary Jane Millen in Holden, West Virginia, to John Millen and Jannie Wardlaw on July 16, 1928. She attended school in Logan, West Virginia.

In June 1952, Mary Jane Millen married the love of her life, Melvin Charles Chestnut. They were united in a private ceremony at the home of her cousin in Baltimore, Maryland. From this union came one child, the light of her life, Melvin Charles Chestnut II. Of all the roles she held throughout her life, none brought her greater joy than being a mother. She poured her heart into raising her son and later played an indispensable role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Jane earned her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1949. She later received a Master's degree in Education from Butler University. She dedicated more than 50 years to education, serving students in schools throughout Logan, West Virginia, and Indianapolis, Indiana. As Head Librarian at Shortridge Middle School, she left an indelible mark on both colleagues and students. Although she retired from the school district in 1997, she never retired from learning, teaching, or inspiring others.

A faithful member of University United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Mary Jane played an active role in establishing the church library. She was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Kolony Klub, and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. Throughout her life, Mary Jane received numerous honors and accolades in recognition of her service, leadership, and dedication to her community.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, John Millen and Jannie Wardlaw Millen; her beloved husband, Melvin Charles Chestnut; her son, Melvin Charles Chestnut II; her brothers, James Millen, John Millen, and DeWitt Millen; and her dear sister in Christ, Jean Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her granddaughters, Rhea Chestnut and Francesca Yates; her great-grandchildren, Zion Chestnut and Prescott Yates; and a host of extended family members, friends, former students, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her presence.