Jane Kimbrough Dishuck

TUSCALOOSA Jane Kimbrough Dishuck, age 85, of Tuscaloosa, died Aug. 20, 2009, at her home. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa with Reverend Joseph Elmore and Reverend Mary Bendall officiating. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of West Alabama or the Genesis House (Methodist Children's Home) care of First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Anne Lacoste (Keith), Sue Gunter, and Virginia Hargett (Chris), and one son, Dr. John Dishuck (Laura), who cherish memories of her as a loving mother and mentor. Likewise, she had a profound influence on her eleven grandchildren: John Charles Rodenberry and Rob Lacoste; Carl and Paul Gunter; Allison, Brad, and Julia Hargett; and Matthew, Anna, Phillip, and Carolyn Dishuck. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank James Dishuck, and her son-in-law, James William Gunter.

Mrs. Dishuck will be remembered for her legal practice, which she founded in 1947 with her late husband, her strong support of the local Democratic Party, and The First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa. Mrs. Dishuck served on the Board of First United Methodist Church for many years and was the first woman to serve as Chairman of the Administrative Board. She was particularly proud of her hand in establishing the Genesis House, a group living home for at-risk children in Tuscaloosa County. A pioneer in bankruptcy law, Mrs. Dishuck served as trustee for West Alabama's Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for four decades. Her work in that field began as part of a successful pilot program which later gained nationwide acceptance. Mrs. Dishuck graduated from the University of Alabama's School of Law in 1947 to become the first female lawyer to practice in Tuscaloosa County, arguing cases before all-male juries for many years before women were first allowed to serve as jurors in 1966.

She was the first woman to serve as President of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association (1976-1977). She was the last surviving charter member of the local chapter of ZONTA International, a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working to advance the status of women worldwide. Jane was a strong, independent woman who accomplished much, loved her work, and served as an inspiration for many, especially professional women.