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Jane Willingham Obituary
After graduating from college in 1944, Willingham took her melodic voice to WSB radio in Atlanta and was hired on the spot as one of the first female announcers in Atlanta radio. She wrote and produced news and commercials and was a DJ, too. "You couldn't forget that voice," said longtime friend Carolyn Haldeman. "It was so beautiful."
Willingham gave speech lessons to President Harry Truman, and in a 25-year teaching career at Lakeshore High School was teacher of the year for the school and for Fulton County.
She died Feb. 26 at Southwest Christian Care from cancer. She was 92. Read the news obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Jane Willingham
29 Entries
March 24, 2016
May God be with you and your family during these difficult times and sorrow .But remember that during your difficult times he cana make you firm and he can make you strong. 1 Peter 5:10
Tyeka McGuire
March 22, 2016
I would like to express my condolences during this time of loss. I hope you find the strength and comfort you need to get through this difficult time. Matt 5:4 - Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted.
Daniela M
March 20, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May knowing others care give you a measure of peace. May our Heavenly Father who sees your tears flow and pain of heart comfort you all during this most sorrowful time. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that God is there for us 1 Peter 5:6,7.
Rick
March 19, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes to the WILLINGHAM FAMILY at this time.
T. T.
March 18, 2016
I am sorry for the loss of such an amazing person. My prayers are with the family both now, and forever.
Patrick Mizelle
March 18, 2016
As a teenage friend of David's, I was in and out of their house all the time. I have many fond memories of those days and Miss Jane's hospitality. May she rest in peace.
Robbie Stuart
March 17, 2016
To all affected by Mrs Willingham's passing, please accept my sincere condolences. She was one of my favorite teachers at Lakeshore, & was loved by all.
Thank you Mrs Willingham for all you did for us.
TRN
March 17, 2016
As you celebrate a life well-lived,(92yrs), may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the "happy" times you shared together. (Psalm 90:10)
Portia Pope-Ray
March 12, 2016
Mrs. Willingham always exhibited grace and class. She was the epitome of a school teacher. I will always remember her being able to pull the best out of her students. My brother, Kevin Pope, was part of her project Bronze Reminiscence, which we will always cherish. He interviewed and recorded our grandfather, listening to his stories of old and his memories of growing up. What a memory - what a wonderful project. Thank you Mrs. Willingham - God Speed
Ethel Lambert
March 11, 2016
With deepest sympathy,
Ethel Lambert and Dorothy Harris, daughters of the late Ethel Gibson Clark and Robert H. Clark of College Park, Georgia
Charles L. Ratterree Jr.
March 10, 2016
The World is a much better place because of Jane! May God bless her family in this time of grief but also in a time of reflection of her Beautiful Life! I will miss her smile and optimistic view of Life!
Mrs. Willingham helping one of her students...from 1980 Accolade yearbook
Norman A. Hill III
March 7, 2016
Another picture of her from the 1980 Accolade yearbook
Norman A. Hill III
March 7, 2016
Mrs. Willingham with the rest of the English staff...from 1980 Accolade yearbook
Norman A. Hill III
March 7, 2016
Sandra (Hill) Sandling
March 7, 2016
A wonderful, Godly, woman who influenced so many with her abilities and passion for being an educator. Prayers for you all.
David & Margaret Beville
March 7, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Willingham family: David, Steve, Carol and their families. We were sorry to hear about Jane's death. She was a very special lady to all of us at Gordon Street/Bethany Presbyterian. We will continue to pray for the family as we hold very fond memories of the years we spent with Jane and Frank and the family.
In Christ,
David and Margaret Beville
Harriet Scott
March 7, 2016
Mrs. Willingham was such an amazing, brilliant, talented, and loving true Southern Lady, who made a positive impact on the lives of so many people from so many different walks of life. I am just now learning of her astounding accomplishments in her early life but am not at all surprised by them. Not only did she teach with my Mother at Lakeshore High but shared many groups and interests with her, as well as a strong lifelong friendship. She and her husband were dear friends of my parents, so they were important in our lives, as well. I spent my College Park High years with Stephen, David, and Carol, including the Band, under my Dad. Mrs. Willingham was such a sweet lady, who will be missed by so many people and remembered fondly by all. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of the Willingham family. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Johnson
March 7, 2016
One of my most beloved teachers! I was on the annual staff with her being our mentor. She always had some great ideas and direction to stear us in! Rest in Peace!
Kathy Vaughan Massengale Johnson
Class of 1972
March 7, 2016
Absolutely my most favorite teacher in my life!
~Jill (Workman) Woolbright
Class of '75
Lisa Mckeever
March 6, 2016
Missing my English teacher from Lakeshore high...listening to her stories and reading her sister in law books. God sent her now he came for her. Gone but not forgotten
Dwanda Wimes
March 6, 2016
What a wonderful gift you gave me of confidence in speech and reading. I pray this candle helps to light your way to your next journey.
Bernice Ezell Smith
March 6, 2016
We express our deepest sympathy for the family. She impacted many lives.. The Ezell Family. Class of 71, 75, 77 and 79.
Sharon Hammond Frank
March 6, 2016
March 06, 2016
Jane was one of the most talented and loving ladies I have had the privilege of knowing and working with. Her gifts in ministry, along with her late husband, Frank were a blessing to all who heard her speak, teach, sing, and show love for them.
I am a graduate of Lakeshore High school class of 1964; and although Jane came to the school after I graduated, she loved knowing that I was part of the school's history, and considered me "one of her students" as well. She will be greatly missed by many.
Our love and sympathy.
Sharon & Charles Frank
~ Sharon Hammond Frank,Palmetto, Georgia
Sharon Frank
March 6, 2016
Jane was one of the most beloved ladies I've had the privilege of knowing. Her talents and service along with her late husband, Frank, in the ministry at Southwest Christian Church was a blessing to all who knew her, and heard her speak, teach, sing, and felt her love them.
I am a graduate of Lakeshore High School -class of 1964, and although Jane had not come to Lakeshore by the time I graduated, she loved knowing I was also a part of the LHS history,and considered me "one of her students", as well. She will be missed by so many people.
Our condolences and love to the family.
Sharon & Charles Frank
Romona Blanton
March 6, 2016
We will miss Ms. Jane at Southwest Christian church. She always had a big smile and something wonderful to say to you. Praying for the family. Love Romona and Joe Blanton
March 6, 2016
what a full life she has lived. so much accomplished! losing someone like this is a major blow to the heart but with constant prayer and drawing close to jehovah god this family can get through anything. Prov 3:5
Bob Rogers
March 6, 2016
Mrs. Willingham said she was so proud of me for having gone into teaching when we last ran into each other at Lakeshore High School in the late 1970s. I told her I still remember watching her on our old Crosley television when she did live shows on WSB-TV in the early 50s. I loved her sense of humor and sense of history. A true pioneer, Mrs. Willingham will be greatly missed by so many in so many fields and industries. Click on your remote control to your flat screen tv for WSB-tv: Mrs. Willingham is a big part of what you see.
March 6, 2016
when you read about someone who lived their life to the full, you smile and wish you had the energy. Thank you for sharing rev. 1-4
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