|
Jane Renfroe
 Jane Sibley Renfroe MARS HILL - Jane Sibley Renfroe, 65, of Mars Hill, NC, died peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2017, after five years living with cancer. A beloved sister, mother, spouse, friend, and teacher, Jane always approached life with a creative perspective and positive energy. Jane was born in Charlotte, NC, to Leland and Lois Sibley, the youngest of three daughters. She graduated from Myers Park High School before attending UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, where she earned a BA in Creative Arts. Jane and her husband David built (literally!) a home and pottery studio in the mountains of Madison County beginning in the mid 1970s, where they welcomed and raised two daughters Christine Moore and Melissa Buerckholtz. In the early 1990s Jane joined the staff of Mars Hill University, where she headed the ceramics studio for more than two decades and touched many students' lives. She was not only gifted at helping students discover their own creativity, but also became a trusted advisor and mentor to many of them. During her teaching years she earned her MFA from Western Carolina University. Jane also taught entrepreneurship courses through Mountain BizWorks, taking special joy in giving students the tools and confidence to turn their passion into a business as she had. Jane is survived by her sisters, Pamela Slade and Susan Kain, her two daughters, grandchildren Ashley Moore and Owen Buerckholtz, great-granddaughter Bella, a great-grandson on the way, as well as many extended family members and close friends. Jane will be remembered for her deep compassion, quiet strength, and most of all her joyful spirit. Memorial Service to be held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Mars Hill, NC on Sunday, October 8th, at 2pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (ocrfa.org) or Neighbors in Need of Madison County at PO Box 64, Marshall, NC 28753. Jane supported Neighbors in Need for many years through the Empty Bowls fundraisers. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the staff of the Hope Center in Asheville for their skill and support over these years.
Published in Charlotte Observer on Oct. 4, 2017 http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/charlotte/jane-renfroe-condolences/186843264?cid=full
|
Katharine Lucas (Monk)
(Conrad Bookout passed along note from David and Jane's daughter Melissa. /kalm 10.03.2017)
Survived By: Daughters Christine Moore and Melissa Buerckholtz, grandchildren Ashley and Owen, great-granddaughter Bella.
For those who have not yet heard, Mom passed away this weekend. It was a very peaceful transition, with no signs of distress or pain. I know her spirit is joyous to be free from that long decline. We plan to have a memorial service this Sunday afternoon at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mars Hill. Time has not been set yet. I will forward more specific information when I have it. A heartfelt thank you from all of our family for your continued warm wishes and prayers.
Melissa
Catherine Elizabeth "Cathy" Taylor (Metz)
Embracing their love,
Jane and David forever
Show friends how to live.
Maria Pitsikoulis (Kleto)
Jane embodied both inner and outer beauty. May her memory be eternal.
Janet Frances Stephens
Jane seemed to float when she walked, she had such warmth and grace. Whenever I was with her, I felt I was her best friend for that moment, her confidante, with whom she eagerly and authentically shared herself and her wisdom. We grew up together at Myers Park Baptist Church in scouts, choir, youth department, and were paired for the pre-baptism interview with the fatherly yet imposing Dr. Carlyle Marney. It was impossible not to love Jane, even if you envied her. After MPHS, we both went to Carolina. One day in our freshman year, Jane called me to go for a walk and told me she was leaving school to marry David. We met again in the WNC mountains and Jane, unchanged, continued to share her loving creative spirit wherever she went. I will miss you, Jane Lois Sibley.
Pier Lucille Protz
I have not had contact with Jane for many years and feel that I have missed out on so much. She lived a beautiful and meaningful life and left an enviable legacy. RIP Jane Sibley. I know that you and David are together now.