Jane Hix Oliver

Jane Hix Oliver peacefully passed away on May 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Georgia, surround by her family.

Jane lived a remarkable and far-reaching life filled with service, adventure, art, friendship, and family.  Over her 77 years, she played the role of daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and provided ceaseless support, comfort, and wisdom, not only for her family, but for each community she loved and felt fortunate to be a member of.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel L. Oliver, and is survived by her children, Eric, Susan, and David, her grandchildren, Sloan Oliver, Ethan Dodds, Sam Oliver, Sawyer Brown, and Rhett Brown, as well as a lifetime's worth of friends, from every phase of her life, that were certainly considered family, to her and to her children, in their own right.  

Jane was born March 25th, 1947, in Commerce, GA, the only child of Luthor Paul Hix and Ruby Allen Hix.  She attended the University of Georgia and, upon graduation, moved with her new husband to San Francisco, CA, where he was to be stationed with the United States Navy.  Her time in San Francisco would create in her a lasting love for the beautiful city. They moved to Gainesville, GA in 1968 where, over the next 50 years, they would raise three children and build lasting friendships in the community, relationships that would precipitate her desire to return to Gainesville in 2023.  Jane's love for the beauty of nature, the simplicity and intimacy of small towns, and an interest, appreciation, and passion for art and creativity, would result in a move to Hayesville, NC, where she would become an active member of John C. Campbell Folk School; taking and teaching classes in fiber arts and eventually serving on the board with a desire to grow and preserve the institution for future generations.

Jane loved to travel.  Her appreciation for different cultures, customs, architecture, foods, and the broad spectrum of beauty in the natural world, led her to all corners of the globe.  One of her greatest delights was to kindle within her grandchildren a desire to see the world and to share this discovery with them; planning and taking trips with them and creating memories that would last for lifetimes.  From riding elephants in the jungle to crossing deserts on the back of a camel to paddling down the middle fork of the Salmon River with her daughter, she believed that travel was one of the greatest ways to nurture relationships with those she loved and to discover others with whom we share this world.

For all of her accomplishments, for all of the myriad roles she would play; careers in needlework, medical and college libraries, restoration and landscape architecture; Jane was loving and kind.  She was filled with humor and a desire to make our communities better.  She was tireless in her efforts to guide her children and grandchildren. She was devoted, supportive, and loving to her Husband. She was an ever-present and willing friend.  She was a voice of reason, compassion, and progress in her community.  But above all, she loved with all her heart.  That was her guiding principle in all avenues of her life.

Jane's love for animals has been a constant throughout her life.  Pawley, Ellie, and Dulcie were far more than pets.  They were family members, companions, and a source of great joy and support.  They were included in every aspect of her life that she could reasonably or, occasionally, even unreasonably, share.  The days when her furry children were not by her side account for only a handful of moments in her last 40 years.  Her relationship with these special animals was profoundly fulfilling and they, like all of us, will miss her dearly.

We celebrate Jane's life and the warmth and care she shared with so many.  She will be remembered uniquely by each of us, but one thing remains constant: She loved us and allowed us to love her.

Celebration of life service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Haysville, North Carolina.

 Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .