Jane

Early

Mrs. Jane Early, age 83, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2026.

Jane was born on May 11, 1943, to the late Thomas Willard (lovingly called T. Williard) and Edna Mae Oliphant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Nelson Early, and her sister, Maryann Williams.

Jane had a lifelong passion for education and dedicated her career to teaching elementary school, touching the lives of countless children throughout the years. Her love for children extended beyond the classroom, as she also devoted her time to teaching children's choir. A woman of deep faith, Jane was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Hendersonville for 28 years, where she was an active and faithful member of the church choir.

Jane enjoyed reading, relaxing at the beach, and traveling the world. She especially loved cruising and visiting the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. She also looked forward to her yearly trips to her favorite destinations: Daytona Beach, Gatlinburg, and the "Most Magical Place on Earth" — Walt Disney World. These special places brought her years of happiness and countless cherished memories.

Jane's travels provided her with many unforgettable experiences. During a trip to Italy with her church group, she visited the Vatican and made it to St. Peter's Square just in time to witness the white smoke announcing the election of Pope Francis. And, while visiting Ireland, she made sure to kiss the Blarney Stone!

Christmas was Jane's favorite holiday, and she loved decorating her home with multiple Christmas trees and her collection of hundreds of Christmas mice — despite being petrified of real mice!

Jane leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving daughters, Beth Knott (Brad Staggs) and Deborah Stanley (Scott); her grandchildren, Robby Stanley (Heather), Ryan Stanley, and Rhett Stanley; and her great-granddaughter, Allison Stanley. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jane was a dedicated supporter of the Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly the JDRF One Walk), participating in honor of her two grandsons, Robby and Rhett, who live with Type 1 diabetes. She would have loved nothing more than to see a cure discovered for them and for all those living with the disease. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Jane's honor to Breakthrough T1D at: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10787&pg=personal&px=1287747

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home. A second visitation will take place Monday, November 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, Jane will be laid to rest at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.