Jane Tatum

Jane was born November 22, 1932, in Raleigh, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Crouch Bashford and Margaret Sedberry Bashford, husband John (Kay) Corley Tatum, and son Dugan. She is survived by her devoted son, Frederick William Lewis III, and grandson, Frederick William Lewis IV.

Jane was raised in Cameron Park in Raleigh during winters and on Asheville Street in Wrightsville Beach in summers. She attended Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh and graduated from Stratford College in Virginia.

Although Jane has passed, she never grew old. She possessed an energy, strength, and love rooted in faith that carried her above the fray. She used these powers to raise her two sons and guide her grandson, tirelessly supporting their endeavors of horse shows, basketball games, lacrosse games, and the many activities to which she often had no idea what was taking place, to her family’s amusement.

Jane leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, adventure, and a lifetime filled with fascinating trips and stories. Jane lived a life of tenacity, grace, elegance, and dignity.

She was happiest throwing a dinner party for her beloved friends, those who have passed and those who remain, and pouring a scotch each day at 5 PM. Dewars will miss her greatly. As she famously said, “I’m not dead. I’m at a party.”

She was a lifetime master bridge player, having competed in many professional tournaments. She was very active in the community, having served on many boards and the vestries of Christ Church in Raleigh, and her beloved St. James Parish in Wilmington. She was a proud member of the Colonial Dames, Jamestowne Society, and an emeritus board member of Thalian Hall.

The family sincerely thanks the caregivers: her beloved friend Bertha Green, Dr. Chris Cosgrove, Cambridge Village Staff, Lower Cape Fear Life Care, especially Joy, and the staff at Kempton of Brightmore, who went above and beyond in her final days so that she might pass with the dignity she deserved among the people and things she loved. All the above are truly angels sent from heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. James Parish, Friday August 14th at 2:00 PM, 25 S. Third St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Interment will take place Monday, August 17th, in Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, Jane would have been happiest, if you choose, to make a memorial contribution to St. James Parish (25 S. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401).