Jane Spainhour

Jane Boyd Poston Spainhour died peacefully at her home of 48 years on July 23, 2025, surrounded by her three children, after the short progression of an illness she had managed with courage and resilience for many years. The day would have been her father's 121st birthday. Jane's life was defined by her faith in God, her love and devotion to her family and friends, and her deep commitment to education. A lover of gardens and all things floral, she found joy and serenity among blooms, berries, and greenery.

She is survived by her beloved children Richard Andrew, Elizabeth Erwin, and John Edward; daughters-in-law Heather and Missy; treasured grandchildren, whom she loved "to the moon and back," Anna, Caroline, Daniel, and Cece; and dear friends from every stage of her life. Her beloved husband William Erwin Spainhour predeceased her in 2020.

Jane was born December 2, 1942, to Andrew Jackson and Ethel Boyd Poston and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. An only child, Jane was the light of her parents' lives. Jane considered her Girls Preparatory School education to be foundational. Jane attended Vanderbilt University, where she majored in Latin; served as President of the Women's Student Government Association and on the Honor Council; and received the "Lady of the Bracelet" award, an honor given to one woman undergraduate student in recognition of service and leadership. After graduation in 1964, Jane accepted work at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., teaching Latin and Art History.

In Washington, Jane reconnected with Erwin, who was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Pentagon. Jane's and Erwin's mothers had grown up next door to each other in the small mountain town of Erwin, Tennessee, and their parents suggested they meet. Jane and Erwin married on July 30, 1966, and lived the early years of their marriage in Washington, later moving to Chapel Hill, N.C., for Erwin's return to law school in 1968. While there, Jane taught Latin in Durham.

Jane and Erwin moved to Concord, N.C., in 1970 where Erwin began practicing law. Jane continued her education career teaching Latin at what was then called Cabarrus Academy, now Cannon School. After a few years, she ended this part of her education career as she focused her work on rearing her children and on charitable activities, including serving as the President of the Junior Charity League of Concord, and activities and services related to First Presbyterian Church.

As her children grew older, Jane felt called to return to education. She began teaching adult Sunday School classes at First Presbyterian-a practice she cherished and approached with rigor and attention to historical and current geopolitical detail. She also pursued and earned a Master's Degree in Middle Grades Education from UNC-Charlotte. Jane returned to the classroom in 1986 when she began teaching seventh grade social studies at Concord Middle School. There she and her co-teachers developed an innovative, multimedia team teaching environment that a generation of CMS students experienced. Her years at CMS were a welcome challenge that she met with intellectual zeal, compassionate leadership, and joy.

Jane delved deeply into her many activities with friends in the community. These included assisting anti-poverty, domestic violence prevention, and education charities, and participation in the Mary Snead Boger Book Club, the Ruth Coltrane Cannon Garden Club, Circle at First Presbyterian, study clubs, breakfast and supper clubs, and bridge. Jane maintained a vast network of close, treasured friends who were devoted to her, most especially in the years after Erwin's death.

A celebration of Jane's remarkable life will be held August 23, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, Concord. A reception in Davis Hall will follow Jane's memorial service. A livestream of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpzVUz-ZgaCJuogIMor8Iw.

The family expresses deepest appreciation to Jane's dear friend Dr. Douglas G. Kelling for his extraordinary care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 789, Concord, NC 28026-0789 or to a charity of the giver's choosing.