Jane Shirah Stump

Jane Shirah Stump died March 19, 2022, in Charleston, SC, surrounded by her family. Janie was born to A. Jason Shirah and Jane Inman Shirah in Thomasville, GA, on June 9,1950. As a Methodist minister’s daughter, she grew up in various parsonages in South Georgia, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1968. She attended Wesleyan College and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
When her children were young, Janie returned to school and earned her Master of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from Fort Valley State College and a Specialist in Education degree from Georgia College and State University. She taught in the Fort Valley public school system for 26 years, retiring in 2016. Janie was the teacher every parent would want for their child, always challenging every child and seeking innovative ways to reach all of her students.
In retirement, Janie enjoyed volunteering at The Golden Rule, Peach County hospital as a Peach Lady, and she packed lunches for Mighty Meals at Fort Valley United Methodist Church. She participated in multiple Bible studies, the Fort Valley study club, gourmet supper club, a retired teachers association, wine club, and bridge and bunko groups. Janie was a long-time active member of the Fort Valley United Methodist Church.
Janie loved her home and opened it graciously and often to friends. She enjoyed hosting dinner parties, luncheons, showers, birthday celebrations, and bridal teas. It was said of her that she would look for any excuse to host a party. She and Robert were the consummate hosting couple, serving delicious food and surrounding their guests with warmth and hospitality.
All of her life, Janie loved her family fiercely and was confident in her faith and her opinions. She fought Scleroderma with grace and determination, always focusing on her family and friends’ comfort even as her illness progressed. Janie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Robert Lee Stump III; her children, Jason Page Stump (Jennifer), Robert David Stump (Jennifer), and Susanna Shirah Zeigler (Sanford); and her grandchildren Owen Stump, Wyatt Stump, Jack Stump, Caroline Stump, Manning Zeigler, and Jane Zeigler. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Hurley, Anne Shirah, and Martha Brumbeloe and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Janie’s life will be held Friday, March 25, at 11:00 A.M. at the Fort Valley United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 in the sanctuary. Burial will be in the Stump Family plot at Sunset Hill Cemetery, 1100 N. Oak St, Valdosta, GA, at 4:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Janie is honored with a gift to the Scleroderma Research Foundation in her memory. Online donations can be made at https://srfcure.org/support-us/ways-to-give/tribute-or-memorial-gifts/ or mail a check and notate in memory of Janie Stump to: The Scleroderma Research Foundation 220 Montgomery Street, Suite 484 San Francisco, CA 94104.
Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley and Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta are in charge of arrangements.