Jane E. Ebey

Jane Ethel Lindquist Ebey, 91, of Macon passed away on January 28, 2026.

Jane was born on August 18, 1934, in the Swedish immigrant community in Rockford, Illinois. Her four grandparents were from Sweden. Her father, Carl E. Lindquist, was a jeweler and optician. Her mother, Lillian Tinberg, was a high school teacher before marrying Carl. Jane was predeceased by her parents and her siblings: Kenneth, Dwight, Ruth, Franklin, and John.

Jane graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois in 1956. She earned a master of arts in guidance and counseling from Northwestern University in 1960.

In 1957, Jane married her college sweetheart Sherwood F. Ebey. Jane’s four children were born during the years that they lived in Wheaton, Illinois and Macon, Georgia. In 1968, the family moved to Sewanee, Tennessee, where Jane and Sherwood lived until 2015, when they moved into Carlyle Place, a retirement community in Macon. After 62 years of devoted marriage, Sherwood preceded her in death in 2019.

Jane had a long career in special education in Grundy County, Tennessee. She loved working with children, especially the chance to give dignity and attention to students who struggled with learning. She retired in 2002.

Jane’s Christian faith played a central role throughout her life. As a child, she worshiped at First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, Illinois. Her other church homes included Tatnall Square Presbyterian Church (Macon, GA), Decherd Presbyterian Church (Decherd, TN), Cowan Fellowship Church (Cowan, TN), and Northminster Presbyterian Church (Macon, GA). Jane was a dedicated Sunday school teacher, and she enjoyed the fellowship of Christian women’s groups. At Decherd Presbyterian Church, she led a youth baking project to benefit Heifer International.

Jane and Sherwood enjoyed traveling. They visited Sweden, Iceland, the Canadian Rockies, China, and South Africa, among other places.

Jane was an avid correspondent, writing letters and postcards for birthdays, travels, and holidays. She loved connecting with her many relatives and friends. Together with Sherwood, she cooked meals and desserts for many in her community. She loved birds, trees, and flowers and shared this love of nature as a Girl Scout leader and grandmother. Jane cherished visits with her grandchildren, reading them stories, cooking with them, and nurturing their special interests.

Jane is survived by her children: Lois R. Ebey (Rod Whyte) of Alexandria, Virginia; Karen L. Ebey-Tessendorf (Harold Tessendorf) of Macon, Georgia; Martha S. Lee (Dian Li) of Tucson, Arizona; and Peter S. Ebey (Ruth Skoug) of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Her grandchildren are Leon (Yeongju), Nicholas, Claire (Joshua), Matthew (Kara), Gretis, Reia, Karin, and Sonja. She has one great grandson named Parks. Jane was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Jane’s family would like to thank the staff of Carlyle Place (including its care communities of Cambridge Court and Harrington House) for their excellent care and compassion. They are grateful for the warmth and hospitality of Northminster Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Heifer International (heifer.org). In memory of Jane, consider writing a postcard to someone you love.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 565 Wimbish Road, Macon, Georgia. A reception and meeting with the family will follow the service.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.