Jane Alexander

1942 - 2021

Jane Alexander

Gastonia - Jane Sparks Alexander, 78, of Gastonia passed away May 27, 2021 at Robin Johnson Hospice House. She was born August 17, 1942 in Gaston County, NC, a daughter of Berel Ray Sparks, Sr. and Elaine Rhyne Sparks.

Jane taught elementary school in Gaston County for 35 years. In 1996, she was voted into Who's Who Among American Teachers for her service. After retirement, she returned to work to teach driver's education. Jane was an accomplished musician and played the organ and piano at numerous churches, including Resurrection Lutheran Church of Kings Mountain, where she was an active member for over ten years. She also gave a young friend a baton, which he used in directing his marching band. He has continued this as a tradition by presenting a baton to his university students when they reach the directing level. Serving her church was extremely important to Jane. She sang in the choir, regularly met with churchgoers to crochet baby blankets and prayer shawls for others, and was in charge of the children's music ministry. She held several positions on the Women of the ELCA at the state and local levels. Jane also enjoyed playing hand bells and growing flowers; especially her Christmas cactus and Angel-Wing Begonia. Travelling to the NC Mountains was another interest of Jane's, along with her fondness for butterflies. While her children were growing up, Jane's strong determination to keep them involved in the church was only one of Jane's accolades. She was also an excellent cook, and her specialties were "flapjacks" and green beans.

Jane is survived by her husband, Jerry Alexander; sons, David Alexander and J. Bryant Alexander (fiancée, Lisa Lawing); daughters, Tina Alexander and Elaine Alexander (fiancé, Billy Holt); brother, B. Ray Sparks (Nancy); eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two nephews and numerous cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Terry Alexander and great-grandson, Javarian Norris.

The family will receive friends at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Kings Mountain on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 2-3pm. After the visitation, there will be a Celebration of Life service at 3pm at the church and officiated by Reverend Doctor K. Michael Varn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church of Kings Mountain, 600 Crescent Circle, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Condolence messages may be sent online at mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Alexander family.