Jane Howard Chadbourne, 87, died peacefully at home on November 23, 2021. She was born April 21, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, the daughter of Laurence Webb Howard Sr. and Eleanor Lytle Howard. She attended The Bartram School for Girls and graduated from Florida State University in 1957.
Jane was a devoted wife for 48 years to Harland A. Chadbourne Jr., until his passing in 2009, and a much-beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for her quiet leadership, selfless generosity, delicious cooking, legendary hospitality, and mentorship of hundreds of girls and young women at two of her favorite places, Jacksonville University and Skyland Camp for Girls in Clyde, NC.
Jane, an astute businesswoman, teacher, and volunteer extraordinaire, always said she was a listener, not a talker. She was curious and liked to try new things. Those around her counted on her guidance.
A short list of her volunteer service includes District Chair on the national board of Delta Delta Delta Sorority; Chapter Advisor and Alumnae Relations Chair for the Beta Gamma Chapter of Tri Delta at Jacksonville University; All Saints Episcopal Church, notably managing the Nearly New Shop; planning and building a legendary Haunted House to raise funds for the Jacksonville Children’s Museum; Junior League of Jacksonville; Arthritis Foundation; JU Friends of the Library and JU Friends of the Fine Arts; and Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association.
A talented graphic artist, she taught art at John Gorrie Junior High after college graduation. While raising four children, she started a screen-printing business in her garage, designing invitations and personalized napkins for weddings, debutante parties and other special occasions, as well as donating her talents to create posters and more for favorite causes. The business grew into Custom Imprints Ink, a shop she ran with two good friends along St. Johns Avenue in Avondale.
She lived most of her life in the family home in Jacksonville’s Granada neighborhood developed by her father. Its doors were always open for parties, Tri Delta events, family celebrations and many backyard weddings. Some of her favorite things were the sound of children from All Saints Early Learning Center taking swimming lessons in her pool; carving a roast with well-honed knives surrounded by loved ones waiting for a “taste;” and planning cross-country adventures. She imbued all with fun.
Jane is survived by her children, Eleanor Chadbourne (Carol Romano); Harland (Chad) Chadbourne III (Ximena); Howard Chadbourne (Chrisy) and Lynn Chadbourne; grandchildren Madeline, Isabella, and Harland (Chad) Chadbourne IV; brother-in-law Bruce Chadbourne; sister-in-law Carol Howard; cousins William (Bill) Lytle, Patsy Maner Pappas (Charles), and James Maner; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Laurence Webb Howard Jr. and wife Lanessa, and James Lytle Howard.
Visitation and viewing will be Friday, December 3, from 6-8 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 10 am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave.
Memorial contributions can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church or to a charity of your choice. The family offers special thanks to her many caregivers.
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