K. Jane Gayman

K. Jane Gayman, age 90, of New Smyrna Beach, passed from death into eternal life on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Florida Hospital, Daytona Beach.  Born on September 18, 1926 at Wissinoming, Philadelphia, PA; she was the middle daughter of Charles A. and Katie L. Bestle Jacobs.

Jane grew up in Langhorne, PA, where she learned to play the bugle (which she could still play at the age of 90) and field hockey. She delighted the neighbor children by putting on plays with friends in the loft of the garage.

After graduating from Langhorne Middletown High School in 1944; Jane won a four year scholarship to study art at the Moore College of Art in Philadelphia.  She illustrated fashion and other objects at Strawbridge and Cothier in Philadelphia, Swern’s in Trenton, NJ, and Pomeroy’s in Harrisburg, PA.  While working for Curtis Publishing Co., Jane once shared an elevator with Norman Rockwell, which was exciting for her.

In May, 1948, Jane attended a 4H extension meeting, where she met George Gayman, who proposed to her on their third date. They were married at St. James Episcopal Church in Langhorne on January 8, 1949.  They moved to Bedford County, PA in 1952 and soon afterwards bought a farm where town girl Jane became a farm girl mom; grading eggs and gardening. Her flowers were beautiful and she could name all of them, thanks to her father.

All who knew Jane enjoyed her warm hospitality and eager willingness to share meals and lively conversation.  After raising her family, Jane worked as a regional representative with the Southern Allegheny Planning and Development Commission.  

Upon retirement, Jane and George enjoyed winters in New Smyrna Beach, where Jane painted seascapes and George fished.  Her classic art training has blessed many from the Bedford County Courthouse drawings to local historical sites. Florals, birds, sea life and watercolor landscapes grace many homes of those who have known and loved Jane.  We will miss her happy smile and gracious hospitality.

She is survived by 4 children, Susan Goodin, Patricia Collado, Douglas and George Gregory Gayman; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters.  Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, George, in 2015; her infant son, Robert Stephen; and her 2 sisters, Charlotte Tomlinson and Ethel Wiser.

Mass of the Resurrection will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 24, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, New Smyrna Beach, with the Reverend Rodney Roehner officiating.  Interment of cremated remains will be at the convenience of the family in the Resurrection Garden.

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