Jane Reames Stikeleather

Born on August 22, 1938, in Asheville, North Carolina, Jane was the daughter of James G. Stikeleather Jr. and Dorothy Kimberly Stikeleather. She grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and attended St. Genevieve of the Pines.

Jane graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She went on to earn her Master of Education degree from Hunter College in New York City.

Returning to North Carolina, Jane settled in Raleigh, where she taught the first class for children with learning disabilities, a pioneering effort that would shape the course of special education in the region. She continued this vital work within the Wake County Public Schools system until her retirement.

Beyond the classroom, Jane was deeply engaged in the life of her community. She was an active member of the Junior League of Raleigh and numerous civic associations. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh.

Jane found great joy in the mountains of Western North Carolina, cherishing time at her family’s beloved Blackberry Inn.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her sister, Rebecca Stikeleather Norris. She is survived by her brother, James Gudger Stikeleather III (Macy), and her nieces and nephews: Courtney Baird Norris; James Turner Norris (Alison); Rebecca Stikeleather Johnson (Bill); Nancy Stikeleather Durban (George); and James Gudger Stikeleather IV (Kate).

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. A burial service will follow later this summer at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindlyJane Reames Stikeleather, died on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on August 22, 1938, in Asheville, North Carolina, Jane was the daughter of James G. Stikeleather Jr. and Dorothy Kimberly Stikeleather. She grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines School.

Jane graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Education from Hunter College in New York City.

Returning to North Carolina, Jane settled in Raleigh, where she taught the first class for children with learning disabilities, a pioneering effort that would shape the course of special education in the region. She continued this vital work within the Wake County Public Schools system until her retirement.

Beyond the classroom, Jane was deeply engaged in the life of her community. She was an active member of the Junior League of Raleigh and numerous civic associations. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh.

Jane found great joy in the mountains of Western North Carolina, cherishing time at her family’s beloved Blackberry Inn.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her sister, Rebecca Stikeleather Norris. She is survived by her brother, James Gudger Stikeleather III (Macy), and her nieces and nephews: Courtney Baird Norris; James Turner Norris (Alison); Rebecca Stikeleather Johnson (Bill); Nancy Stikeleather Durban (George); and James Gudger Stikeleather IV (Kate).

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. A burial service will follow later this summer at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. requests that donations be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Stikeleather family.