Jane Thomas McGehee Wilson

Jane Thomas McGehee Wilson


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Oct 15th, 2018

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  • Death Date: Oct 15, 2018

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Biography: Jane Thomas McGehee Wilson, 92, died October 15, 2018. Born in Little Rock September 30, 1926 to Ruby and Herbert L. Thomas, Sr., she lived on a farm in Fayetteville from age 12 until she graduated from the University of Arkansas. She earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in history and was president of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. In 1947, Jane married Frank Ellis McGehee, Sr. and moved back to Little Rock. They had three sons: Frank McGehee, Jr., Jim McGehee, and Scott Dickinson McGehee. Deeply involved in her community, Jane served on numerous boards and in leadership roles for a range of organizations. She was a president of the Junior League of Little Rock, and a life member of the UAMS Foundation Board for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She was also a life member of the UAMS College of Nursing advisory board and a powerful advocate for this profession. Jane was also chairman of the University of Arkansas Foundation for the University System. She was a founding member of both the Arkansas Cancer Research Center (now the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute) board and the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute board. When she became a widow at 51, Jane?s involvement with the Arkansas Arts Center deepened, working tirelessly as a fundraiser. Her honors included the Chancellor?s Award at UAMS, the Arts Center?s Rockefeller Award (the second recipient in 1974), and in 2018, the Service Award at the Arts Center?s Beaux Arts Ball. Jane was a fearless fundraiser for causes she believed in and claimed that her training began at age 12 when she sold poppies on the streets of Fayetteville for Veterans of Foreign Wars. She honed her skills selling ads for the Tip Top Times in 7th grade, realizing it was generally best to approach the financial decision-makers to close the sale. It made sense, of course, when she entered one paint store in town and immediately asked to speak to either Mr. Sherwin or Mr. Williams. By the time she chaired the first AAC Tabriz committee she was at ease sending requests to the Shah of Iran and the president of Ireland, asking them to send valuable items to Little Rock for the Arts Center?s auction. Besides fundraising, Jane enjoyed tennis, bridge and golf. She was an accomplished artist and a member of the Little Rock Garden Club since 1973. She loved the spiritual home she found at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock and served on the Vestry. Jane was a committed Democrat, and her recent response to a young woman?s request for life advice was ?Keep Voting.? She married Robert Martin Wilson in 1990, and together they traveled the world. Besides her husbands, Frank McGehee and Robert Wilson, she was preceded in death by her son, Frank McGehee, Jr.; her stepson, Robert Wilson; and two brothers, Herbert Thomas, Jr. of Little Rock and Jim Thomas of Tuckerman. She is survived by her twin sister, Jean Gordon; sons Jim McGehee of Lexington, Kentucky, and Scott D. McGehee of Arezzo, Italy; stepson, Charles Wilson; Daughter-in-law, Lisa McNeir; grandchildren, Ellis McGehee Carter (Myles), Scott T. McGehee (Angel), Robert Wilson (Cate), Jillian Wilson (Sam), Sam McGehee (Lourdes), Max McGehee, Sophie McGehee, Starke McGehee, and Helen Wilson; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 22. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UAMS College of Nursing, the Arkansas Arts Center, or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. She was deeply loved by her family, friends, and community.

Condolences(11)
DW
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
Kevin Crawford
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I send you all my condoleances. I remember Jane as a very vital, generous and spirited woman. She always brought warmth into the room and was a font of strength and brightness for all of us.
Amy Clancy
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am there in spirit! With deepest sympathy and love.
Elaine Scott
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was so sorry to read about your loss of Jane. She gave so much to the community for so many years and will be missed by all of us. I tried to send you an email but it bounced back - you probably have so many your computer is full. So many people loved Jane and love you. Let me know if I can do anything to help.
Gene Imes
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A rare person where the world is a lesser place without them.
Cathy Butler
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My heart goes out to family and friends of Jane . God never intended for us to die. In fact death is called an ?enemy?. He promises to fulfill all that He has said (Titus 1:2). No more sickness(Isaiah 33:24). No more death (Isaiah 25:8). Seeing our loved ones again ( John 5:28, 29) and he says where at Psalms 37:11 and how long Psalms 37:29). Later when you feel up to it, please read these few Scriptures of Comfort. They helped me when my son and again when my daughter fell asleep in death. And, I hope these Promises from God will be of some comfort to you as well. Especially, when One reflects on the way Jesus viewed death at John 11:11-14. Yes, God?s son Jesus viewed death as one Sleeping.My deepest condolences to the family. May the memories you have remain fresh in your heart. May God?s tender mercies comfort you amidst such sorrow. Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 1:2-4; Psalms 55:22; Acts 24:15. I am so sorry for your loss.
Christy A Low
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so very sad to hear of this loss. The short time I knew Jane she was full of spirit and energy and worked tirelessly to help introduce me to folks in support of UAMS and The College of Nursing. I enjoyed visiting her at her home and hearing the fun stories about her life while enjoying a drink or two. I will miss her and will continue to say prayers for her beloved family.
Blessings,
Christy
Susie Burrow (Burrow/Mr. Frank's Optical)
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jane was always such a joy! We've known her since 1998. Always fun and super interesting. We all loved her visits. So sorry for your loss. Praying for family and friends.
Fern Cross
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I will miss my dear friend, mentor and idol. From Arezzo to
Belize, from the board room to the lounge, she had all the insight and First Class moves.
Annelle Scott
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family. Jane was an original. She inspired everyone to do their very best in life and to cherish every moment. I will miss her spirit of adventure and her wisdom.
Liz Clouse
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
So sorry for your loss. Jane was a delight to know. She truly lived life to the fullest! She will be missed.

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