Jane Shiley

After a very brief and unexpected illness, Jane passed away at Elizabeth House Hospice in Flat Rock, N.C. on the evening of Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Her precious husband, Roger, held her hand as she made her transition from his hand to God’s. Jane was born in Columbia, S. C. on November 26, 1941 to the former Ruby Ethel Horne of Moultrie, Ga. and William Henry Arnold of Atlanta, Ga. She graduated from Hendersonville High School and the University of N.C. at Chapel Hill with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She worked as a dental hygienist for over 20 years. In 1982, she met and married Lt. Col. Roger Shiley. Together, their blended family is comprised of eight children and eleven grandchildren. In Roger and Jane’s thirty four year marriage, their lives took them from Clinton, S.C. to Germany, all over Europe and back again to the mountains they love in Brevard, N.C. Together they created Mountain Heirlooms Clock Gallery offering clocks, local craft and antiques. While both have been active as members of Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church, Jane’s community involvement included, member and president (’94) WNC Quilter’s Guild, Area 5 Quilters, member of the Waightstill-Avery Chapter of the D.A.R., Brevard Little Theater Board 5+ years, graduate of VISIONS BREVARD, charter member of 7 Arts Gallery, Transylvania Handcrafters Guild, Glen Cannon Book Club, Chair of Walk of History at Silvermont and other Silvermont Museum projects. A generous supporter of Transylvania County Hospital and Library, S.A.F.E, Habitat, the Rescue Squad, Center for Dialogue, Arts Council, Boys and Girls Club, Welcome Baby Project and the Historic Museum. For over 20 years she decorated a tree for Children’s Center Festival of Trees. Jane was an artist blessed with many talents and hobbies to include knitting, quilting, sewing, needlework, painting, gardening and traveling the world. She was an avid Jeopardy Show fan. A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, her seemingly limitless energy to help others was inspiring. She is survived by her husband, Roger Shiley, her daughter, Toddi Kuykendall and her husband, Gary, and her son David Benson and wife Hailey, her sister Ann Arnold Benton and her husband Jim, and her sister Beth Arnold. In addition, her blended family includes children, Robin Benson and wife Leslie, Allen Shiley, Jeff Shiley, Brian Shiley, Curtis Shiley and wife Leanne, and Amy Groover and husband Creston, along with eleven grand children. With an artist’s heart and talent, the wit of a seasoned comedienne and the beauty of a movie star, she was a shooting star during her too short time with us. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church in Brevard, N.C. on Thursday, July 14 at 2 p.m. “I have lived long and loved much – God above all. Love God, Obey His commands. Seek to please Him in all you do. Teach your children to do the same.” Jane Shiley Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family