Jane Steen

Jane Frances Standefer Steen

Hattiesburg

Jane Frances Standefer Steen died May 12, 2015 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

She was born on April 3, 1934 to Cecil Clyde Standefer and Verna Palmer Standefer. She was the eldest of three children, raised in Leland, Mississippi. Her upbringing in the Mississippi Delta would shape her life and touch all those around her, and she brought gracious living and Delta style everywhere she lived. She was a proud graduate of Leland High School where she was an accomplished tennis player and played on the state championship basketball team. She was presented to society as a member of the Delta Debutante Club.

She graduated from Mississippi University for Women (formerly Mississippi State College for Women) where she was a member of the President's Council, the Lockhart's Blacklist and the Hottentot Social Club.

After receiving her degree, she moved to Dallas, Texas where she was selected to be an American Airlines flight attendant. She was soon promoted to serve as one of the first instructors at the new American Airlines Stewardess College in Dallas and was also the class coordinator. She traveled extensively across the United States, Europe, and the Far East.

In 1960, she married a wonderful young man whom she met on a blind date while in college. William A. Steen (Bill) from Louise, Mississippi graduated from Mississippi State as a civil engineer. Following their marriage the two enjoyed living in many different places in the western United States as they moved from project to project. Their most important projects, however, were their three daughters -- Nancy, Catherine, and Susan. The family returned to Mississippi in the 1970s and was pleased to be back home.

Jane was a life-long United Methodist. She was a dedicated teacher and leader in the churches she served for more than 50 years. Through her ministry she touched many lives and this brought her great joy.

Jane is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughters, Nancy Steen of Hattiesburg, MS, Catherine Steen of Austin, Texas, and Susan Steen of Huntsville, Alabama; brother, Clyde Standefer of Mobile, Alabama; sister, Leet Maggio of Indianola, MS; nieces, Deborah Stramel of Denver, Colorado, Elizabeth Beckham of Nesbit, MS, Betty O'Mara of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Anne O'Mara of Atlanta, GA; nephews, Jay Maggio of Cleveland, Mississippi, Joe O'Mara of Rochester, New York, Bill O'Mara of Rochester, New York, and Tim O'Mara of Tampa, Florida; and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Friday, May 15 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Funeral services are Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 am at Court Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. Burial is in Leland, Mississippi on Sunday, May 17. A visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Boone Funeral Home in Leland, followed by a graveside service at the Stoneville-Leland Cemetery.

Memorials in Jane's honor may be made to Court Street United Methodist Church, 609 Southern Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS.

Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, MS is in charge of arrangements.