Jane Elizabeth Maxwell Whitehead

1940 - 2022

DALLAS - Jane Elizabeth Maxwell Whitehead, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Dallas, TX on May 7, 2022.

Jane was born on a cattle ranch in Lovelady, Texas on November 7, 1940, to Mable Goodrum Maxwell and William Little Maxwell. She grew up on the ranch with her brother Earl Maxwell, and lifelong friend Cyndal Porter where she spent time riding horses and developing her love for nature and the outdoors. She was very active in extracurricular activities throughout her high school years, acting as a majorette in the marching band, playing basketball and participating in several clubs and honor societies. She graduated Valedictorian from Lovelady High School in 1958 and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Texas, where she was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Education.

Following college, Jane went on to marry Gary Whitehead at her home in Lovelady, and then moved to Odessa, Texas. She briefly worked as an elementary school teacher, before giving birth to her two daughters Quincy and Kacy Whitehead. She spent the rest of her career as a homemaker, and a fierce advocate for both of her girls, also acting as Brownie troop and Tri-Hi-Y leader. She was proud of her family and nurtured her daughters throughout their lives. She became not only a caring mother and grandmother, but also a cherished friend to both in their adult lives.

In 2001 Jane moved to Dallas, TX, where she became well known as "Grammy Jane" to her two granddaughters, Niamh and Ailish Tierney. She selflessly dedicated vast amounts of her time to her role as grandma, which included hosting ghost-themed sleepovers and movie nights, fun after school adventures, chauffeur rides to/from school and practice, art, piano, and tennis lessons, scrapbooking parties, and endless others.

Jane lived an inspiring life as a world traveler, master gardener, teacher, tennis player, runner, pianist, accomplished artist, activist, and (most importantly she would argue) a hippie fashion icon. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and dog mom, with an undeniable wit and infectious smile that could light up a room. Her bright energy will be missed by so many, however her whimsical spirit will continue to live on through her memory and the impact she had on those around her.

Jane is survived by her two daughters, Quincy Leah Whitehead (Odessa, TX) and Kacy Jane Whitehead Tierney (Dallas, TX) her granddaughters, Niamh Alexandra Tierney and Ailish Isabella Tierney (Austin, TX), her brother Earl Maxwell, and her little yorkie Emmy.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held in Odessa, TX on June 4, 2022, at the Garden Room at La Bodega at 2pm. She will be buried in Lovelady, TX on July 16, 2022, followed by a reception at First Methodist Church in Lovelady, TX at 1pm.

To leave condolences for Jane's family, please send all messages to jane.whitehead.condolences@gmail.com, and in lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider leaving a donation in Jane's name to SAFE Alliance Austin (https://www.safeaustin.org/get-involved/donate/donate/).