Columbus
Jane Ellen Watkins, 43, of Columbus, was promoted to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on October 15, 2016.
She was born December 17, 1972, to Paulette (Rick) McClintock and Greg (Jan) Burns. She married Phillip Watkins July 15, 1994.
Jane Ellen graduated from Columbus North High School in 1991. She attended Ball State University and finished at the University of Alabama, graduating with distinction becoming a life-long “Roll Tide” fan. She received her Master’s Degree from Indiana University.
Jane Ellen was an active member of First Baptist Church where she was involved in the women’s bible study. Her faith was evident to all who knew her. She touched the lives of many children as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and low vision children. She was a dedicated and loving teacher for 16 years in Alabama, Texas and Johnson County, Indiana. She also served three years as SSJCEA President, as well as, an active participant on the board for Express and Columbus East Soccer.
Jane Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and three dogs, Gracie, Gunner and Winnie.
Her favorite pastimes included vacationing at Disney World, watching Elisa play soccer, scrapbooking and crafting with family and friends. She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her husband, Phillip; daughter, Elisa; parents, Paulette (Rick) McClintock and Greg (Janet) Burns; brother, Kirk (Treva) Burns; step-sons, John and Michael; step-sisters, Michele (Gary) Clark and Tracy Davis; and step-brother, Kelly (Julie) Davis; aunts and uncles, Priscilla (Roger) Day, Polly (John) Major, Karen (David) Carter; cousins, Wendy (Shawn) York, Jenn Day, Tyson Moore, Hannah Moore, McKenna Major, Harry Major, Sam York; nieces, Suzanne Elsen and Lakin Davis; nephews, Blake Davis, Noah Clark, Adam Clark, Caleb Gilliam, Sam and Gabe Beasley.
Her Alabama family includes father and mother-in-law, Junior and Sandra Watkins; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Michael (Suzanne) Watkins, Greg (Deb) Watkins, Dana (Kenny) Kelley, Phyllis (Thad) Campbell; nieces and nephews, Shane, Todd (Stacey) and Cody (Kristen) Watkins, Derek (Mona) Watkins, Jessica (Steven) Johnigan, Ashley Kelley, Jaclyn, Jacob and Levi Campbell; great-nieces and -nephews, Skyler, Jada, Jack, Deanne, Mylee, Haley and Audry.
Jane Ellen is preceded in death by grandparents, Carol and John Burns, Becky Nikirk Shumaker, Don Shumaker, Merle Nikirk and Bill and Elaine McClintock; and uncle, Jim Burns.
A celebration of Jane Ellen’s life will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2016, at First Baptist Church on Fairlawn Drive, Columbus, Indiana, with Pastor Dan Cash officiating. Friends and family may visit from 3 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will be within the columbarium at First Baptist Church. Jane Ellen encouraged everyone to wear their favorite Mickey/Disney shirt to the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, Jane Ellen requested memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church designated to Indian Creek Baptist Camp Dining Hall Project, the Watkins Family Scholarship Fund or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Services are entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
