Jane Austell Wilson passed away at The Tippet Hospice Home in Needham, MA on the morning of February 27, 2016 at the age of 75.
Jane is predeceased by her parents, Leona Tate Austell and Clanton Petty Austell. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jerome D. Wilson, and her daughter, Elizabeth Jane Wilson, of Norwood, MA.
She is lovingly remembered by brothers Clanton C. Austell of Columbia, John T. Austell of West Columbia, and Thomas W. Austell and his wife Patsy of Mt. Pleasant.
Jane was born in Gaffney, SC. After completing abachelor’s degree at Limestone College in Gaffney, she earned masters and doctorate degrees from Clemson University in 1968. The first woman in Clemson history to earn a doctorate, Jane’s field was entymology. After teaching at Auburn University for five years, she and her family moved to Greenwood, SC where she was employed in various capacities in the Greenwood District 50 school system. A life-long learner, Jane earned a degree in Library Science from the University of South Carolina.
A founding member of the Lakelands Basket Guild, Jane was passionate about her work as a basket weaver. An avid reader, she enjoyedwonderful times with dear friends in “The Book Group.” She was a member of the Mt. Ariel Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A celebration of life for Jane will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lakelands Basketry Guild, 1670 Long Sumpit Road, Chappells, SC 29037 or the Greenwood County Library, 600 South Main Street, Greenwood, SC, 29646.