Jane Keirs

1943 - 2025

Jane B. Keirs, longtime resident of Starkville, MS, passed away quietly at home on May 8, 2025. Jane was born to John and Mary Bennett of Smyrna, GA, on January 1, 1943. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and whether you were family or not, her door was always open and her home was a welcoming place. She had a passion for baking, sewing, gardening, and traveling the world with her husband, Dr. Robert W. Keirs, professor of poultry science at Mississippi State University. Deeply devoted to her career, Jane worked as a paralegal for over thirty years alongside Jacob Pongetti, who would go on to become a lifelong friend. In a life marked by special friendships, Jane was especially close with Joseph and Kai Andol and David and Debbie Burkes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Jay Smith, her husband, her brother David Bennet, and her sister, Judy Troncolli.

She is survived by her brother Ronnie Bennett, her daughter, Kim Heath, her son Dan Smith, her daughter-in-law, Christa Smith, and her grandchildren Halee Frink (Caleb), Hilary James (Zack), Alec Smith, and McKenna Smith. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Parker Jane Frink and Margot Christa James, as well as a number of stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family.

The family will honor her life with a private celebration held in love and remembrance. She will be interred with her husband at Memorial Garden Park in Starkville, MS.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society.