Jane Ann Butler

Jane Ann Butler, born on April 3, 1959, in Gainesboro, Tennessee to parents John Roy Butler and Louise Wilmore Butler and she passed away on May 8, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center at the age of 67. Jane's life was one marked by dedication, kindness, and a deep love for her family and friends.

Jane was a proud graduate of Jackson County High School, class of 1977, Jane pursued her passion for healing by attending East Tennessee Baptist Nursing School, where she graduated in 1979. Her remarkable career as a registered nurse spanned an inspiring 42 years, beginning her health care career at Jackson County Hospital, transitioning to home health, and retiring from Cookeville Regional Medical Center in 2021. Throughout her nursing journey, Jane's commitment to compassion and care was unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on countless patients and colleagues alike.

Her life was not only defined by her professional devotion but also by the warmth and joy she brought to those around her. Jane loved to entertain and fill her home with friends and family, creating a welcoming and joyful atmosphere that resonated deeply with all who knew her. Her favorite pastime was traveling and exploring the back roads of Jackson County, always embracing the beauty around her. She was an active member of the Wartrace FCE Homemaker Club. Her faith was nurtured through her membership at Stone Church of Christ and attendance at Gainesboro and Freehills Churches of Christ. A regular participant in Gainesboro’s Lady Bible Class.

Above all, Jane’s greatest pride and joy was her daughter, Sarah Butler, whom she loved with all her heart. The bond they shared was evident to everyone who saw them together. Her love and dedication extended to the students in Sarah's class; she affectionately called them her “grand students.” Every Valentine’s Day, without fail, Jane brought flowers to each child in Sarah's class, a tradition that reflected her loving and nurturing spirit.

Jane is survived by her loving daughter Sarah Butler of Gainesboro, TN; her sister Julie (Frank) Butler Patterson of Texas and first cousins: Butch Willmore, John Ed Willmore, Carolyne Gill, Joan Hawkins Sisco, Mike Burris, Dan Burris, Susie Dudney, Skipper Willmore, Clay Wilmore, Chris Willmore, and Pebbles “Terri” Pigg,  Marcia Reel, and Lee Butler. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend and co-pilot Wayne Beechboard and her special friend Ruby Sue. Jane’s weekend eating and going crew—Judith Nevins, Jamie Dailey, Melissa Mitchell, Kyle Richardson, Cherry Ramsey, Allison Dudney, Wayne Beechboard, Anthony Ramsey, Josh Nicholson and her daughter Sarah— together they formed a cherished circle that filled their days with laughter and friendship. Additionally, she will be remembered by many other family and friends 

She was preceded in death by father John Roy Butler and mother Louise Wilmore Butler; maternal grandparents, Benton and Exie Clark Willmore; paternal grandparents, Iva Jenkins and Grundy Butler; numerous aunts and uncles; and her first cousin, Jeanette Butler Gutzman.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones for a visitation on Monday, May 11, 2026, beginning at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, and again on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11AM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11AM with Rev. Steve Vanhooser and Bro. Paul Reed Anderson officiating burial will follow in the Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jane’s Valentine’s Day Flowers Fund for Sarah’s class or towards funeral expenses by contacting the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are Charles Hale, Kyle Richardson, Greg Gill, Brian Dudney, Brent Sisco, Brad Sisco, Will Pigg and Garrett Dudney.

Honorary pallbearers are the hospital mothers group: Rita Barlow, Mandy Perhay, Tommy Perhay, Delma Hopkins, Cherry Ramsey, Teresa Jones, Bethany Jones, Lexie Lilly, Allison Dudney, Chevelle Johnson, Cookie Wilson, Sherrie McMillan, Andrea McMillan, Rebecca Birman, Martha Massengill, Cathy Flatt, and honorary pallbearer Allison Pharris Martenson, Lauren Fagin, and Julia Baskins. 

Jane Ann Butler’s life was a tapestry of compassion, laughter, and enduring love. Her presence brightened every room, her kindness touched every heart, and her legacy will live on in the stories, memories, and love shared by those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements 931-268-1550.