Jane Ayers Walter

Jane Ayers Walter passed away peacefully from this earth and entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, the 28th of October 2023. She departed this earth in the loving arms of her daughter, Lee, sister-in-law, Sally, and dear friend, Carol.

Jane was born to Charlene and J.W. Ayers on April 14th, 1951 in Chillicothe, Texas. She spent her childhood on the Ayers family ranch her great-grandparents established a homestead on in the late 1800’s. She went on to become a small-town sweetheart before leaving Chillicothe to study at Texas Tech University. In Lubbock, she received both a Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from TTU. While there, she met and married John Sample. After completing her teaching certification at Lubbock High, John & Jane moved to El Paso where Jane worked as a counselor for the Ysleta Independent School District. On May 28th, 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Lee.

Jane would later move to Dallas and became the school counselor for the Highland Park Independent School District before opening her own private counseling practice with longtime friend, Sylvia Shibley. Jane reconnected with and married a college friend, Robey Clark. They had a short marriage, but Jane adored her time as stepmother to Brooke & Alena. Jane later married Joe Carson Davis, co-owner of Office Equipment Company. Joe and Jane shared many happy years together before his untimely passing in 1996. They shared a green thumb and a love for family, travel, nice dinners, and antiques. After Joe’s passing, Jane continued their passions and went on to establish herself as a well-known and reputable antique dealer in Dallas. She was affectionately known as Lady Jane and eventually opened a Lady Jane’s Antique Shop in historic downtown McKinney.

Jane was a loving mother and homemaker, as well as a beautiful decorator and attentive hostess. Once Lee went off to college, Jane used those skills to enter the world of real estate. In her empty nest years, she enjoyed helping others find their dream homes and spending time with friends, new and old. Not only was Jane a loyal friend but a devoted daughter as well. She treasured spending time with her family and helping her parents who relocated to Dallas in their later years.

Post graduation, Lee returned to Dallas and soon met her husband-to-be, Jeff Nelson. Jane & Lee enjoyed sharing mother-daughter time while planning Jeff & Lee's wedding. Their other love was spending time shopping and traveling together. On April 23rd, 2015 in the presence of family and friends, Lee & Jeff were married at Arlington Hall at Lee Park. Jane adored her son-in-law and affectionately dropped the “law” - referring to him simply, as her son. She truly loved him as her own and the two shared a special bond. Jane quickly put her real estate skills to work and helped Jeff & Lee to purchase their first home in Lake Highlands, just a few blocks from the house she and Joe built in the early 90’s.

In the years to follow, Jane met and married companion, Ken Walter. They shared many laughs and enjoyed time traveling together. Jane also gained a stepson, Chris. It was around this same time, that she also came to her favorite season of life and most revered role as “Gigi” to four grandsons. She spent her last years reveling in and spending time with them. They truly were the joys of her life, and they adored her in return.

Jane lived a full and beautiful life and had accomplished all God wanted her to do in this world. Jane could always be found with a smile on her face and brought joy to all those around her with her quick wit, warm heart, and kind hands that she inherited from her mother – she was truly her mother’s daughter…and her daughter’s hero. She was adored by many – in particular her son-in-law and four grandsons. She leaves behind a legacy of love. Jane offered love to many and always sought to see the best in everyone and everything. She left this world, better than she found it, and with a faith that spoke of a love stronger than death. “We will be together with her before long, and until then we will listen for her song.”

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Charlene Chandler Ayers and John Walter Ayers, as well as, her beloved husband Joe Carson Davis, and mother-in-law, Gladys Davis. Left to celebrate Jane’s life are her husband Kenneth Walter; daughter Lee Sample Nelson and husband Frank Jeffrey Nelson Jr; four grandsons, Ayers Nash Nelson, Samuel Whitby Nelson, Hunt Brooks Nelson, and Mayes Dixon Nelson; stepson Christopher Walter; sister Anne Ayers Wiginton and husband Denton Wiginton; nephews Cullen and Brad Wiginton; cousins Julie, Mary, & Leslie Martin, as well as, Barbara Burgio and Tom Allen; sister-in-law Delores Wilbeck; brother-in-law William Davis and wife Glynda Davis; sister-in-law Sally Bosher and husband Ron Bosher; nieces and nephews by marriage Scott & Lee Wilbeck, Stacy Cleaveland & Brad Davis, as well as, Cara Schroeder & Jana Berwald.

The family will gather for a private graveside service at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park on Sunday, November 19th.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family would love nothing more than for all those who loved her to share in writing, memories of time spent with Jane. Our hope is to keep her legacy alive for her grandchildren. Letters may be sent to the attention of Lee Nelson P.O. Box 123, Hunt TX 78024.