Jane Pennington Guthrie

Jane Pennington Guthrie of Farmville, Virginia passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2024. Born on June 9, 1941, in Marion, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Drs. William and Margaret Pennington. She was preceded in death by her husband of 11 years, Jim Savedge, her husband of 45 years, Derwood Guthrie, and a sister, Nancy Pennington Holt. She is survived by her children Anne Savedge Mayes (Michael) and Sarah Guthrie Letterman (Steven); Cyndia Guthrie St. Claire (Bill) and Craig Anderson Guthrie; her grandchildren Nicholas Mayes, Chappell Mayes, Ethan Letterman, and Emma Letterman; her sister Martha Pennington Louis (Paul) and her brother John Pennington (Kathy). 

Raised in Buckingham, Jane shared her extraordinary talents as a pianist and musician from an early age. She began playing the piano at Maysville Presbyterian Church as a teenager and continued to play and direct the choir there for many, many years. She graduated from Buckingham County High School in 1958 and attended Longwood College where she received a degree in Music Education. While in college, she spent a summer playing piano in the Natural Bridge Hotel lobby and was asked to return each year. 

Upon graduation from Longwood, Jane began a career as a beloved music teacher and choir director that would span decades. She first taught in Waverly, Virginia and then in Wakefield, Virginia at Tidewater Academy. Later, she taught at J.P. Wynne Campus School in Farmville before opening a private Yamaha music school in Buckingham. She was instrumental in bringing music into the elementary schools in Buckingham County, and she spent many years teaching in them all before her retirement. Jane instilled the love of music in thousands of children and helped many to realize their own talents as musicians. She shared the joy of music with parents and the community at countless holiday programs and events. She also developed the gift of music in both children and adults during the hundreds of private piano lessons that she gave throughout her lifetime. 

Upon retirement, Jane became an advisor to the music fraternity at Longwood, where she also accompanied voice majors during their performances. She took great pleasure in welcoming her “Longwood girls” into her home for sing-alongs and desserts. For many years, Jane played the grand piano in the lobby of Centra Hospital every Thursday, bringing joy and comfort to apprehensive patients. And throughout her entire life, Jane played for countless weddings, funerals, and community events. Her gift of music was extraordinary, and everyone considered it a blessing to hear the words “Jane will be playing.” 

Jane was a lover of words. She was an avid crossword puzzle solver, and she excelled at online word games and Wheel of Fortune. She most always had a book in her hand, and often read her favorites aloud to Derwood. She had a gift for writing letters and sending cards or flowers for any occasion, big or small. She also had a gift for remembering important life events for those far and near and calling to share her love and support.

Most of all, Jane treasured time with her friends and family in her home. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. There was nothing better than snuggles on the couch with Grandma and, without fail, she remembered everyone’s favorites and made sure to have them in her home during visits. Her connection with, and love for, Derwood was the deepest of all. It was inspirational and it brings great comfort to know that they are now reunited. 

Think of Jane when you hear the song “Moon River.” It was her favorite. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 10:00 AM at Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville. The 11:00 AM memorial service at Puckett will be followed by a reception at the Guthrie home at 112 Belmont Circle. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Maysville Presbyterian Church.