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Jeanne Ruth Lane (63) passed away peacefully on Saturday July 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving and devoted family, friends, her favorite music, and nature at the Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, Florida. She is survived by her mother, Anne M. Lane of Mahé, Seychelles; her husband of 25 years, Robert R. Smith of Tallahassee, FL; her daughter, Helen K. Smith of Tallahassee, FL; sisters Fiona Lane and Michelle Lane Brantley (Bobby) of Mahé, Seychelles; brothers John B. Lane (Diana) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Billy O. Lane of Pensacola, FL; nieces Olivia Brantley and Stella Lane; and nephews Oneal Lane and Wyatt Lane. Though she bravely battled pancreatic cancer from September 2022, the disease does not define her legacy. “Jeannie,” as her friends and family fondly called her, will be remembered as a loving and gracious mother, wife, sister, auntie, and friend. She led a life of grace, humility, and generosity, and held steadfast in her faith until God called her to her heavenly home. Jeanne was born on September 25, 1960, in Paris, France. Shortly after her birth Jeanne moved to England with her Mother and then eventually settled in Mahe, Seychelles. Her Mother married Jeanne’s adoptive Father, Billy O. Lane of Graceville, Florida in 1973 with whom Jeanne shared a close and loving bond. She attended the Regina Mundi Convent where she was at the top of her class, receiving multiple awards for academics and leadership. She was selected to serve as a Prefect and was honored to have been chosen as Head Girl her senior year. Jeanne moved to America in 1979, where she attended Chipola Junior College and graduated in 1986 with her bachelor’s in marketing from Florida State University (FSU). During her time at FSU, she was involved in the university’s International Programs, where she studied abroad in London in the 1984 Spring Broad Curriculum Cohort when the study center was located at Cadogan Court. This further cultivated a love of travel that she instilled in her daughter, Helen, who would follow in her mother’s footsteps to study abroad in London with the FSU 2022 Spring Broad Curriculum Cohort. Jeanne retired from the Florida Department of Health as Chief, Bureau of Performance Assessment and Improvement, after 30 years of service. She was a tremendous asset to the department, her thoroughness and steady dedication leading to significant accreditations and advancements for the State. Jeanne was known by her colleagues for her kindness and persistence. Jeanne married her long-time love Robert Smith on February 18, 1999, and welcomed daughter Helen Smith into the world on September 13, 2001. Helen was the apple of her mother’s eye. Jeanne was “room mom” for many of Helen’s ballet recitals and loved to host Helen’s friends after school, who affectionately knew her to send them home with food and snacks to “try later.” She was so proud of Helen and fostered the pursuit of her various interests to encourage her to flourish, especially happy for her to attend FSU and to participate in the study abroad program. Jeanne had a gift for hospitality and loved to entertain. She held the title of “Kitchen Magician” in the family and enjoyed cooking cuisine from around the world Jeanne was most in her element when flitting around the kitchen, classical music playing, dogs afoot, topping glasses and doting on friends and family. She was a consummate host, gracious and graceful, with a passion and innate talent for preparing glorious meals and gathering loved ones around them. In recent years, Jeanne also found joy in gardening with husband, Bob, in the pursuit of overall health and fitness, and in the loving care of the family’s dogs, Phoebe, Ella, and Taz. Those who were blessed to know Jeanne were blessed by her unique blend of elegance and warmth. Bright, incredibly kind-hearted and naturally nurturing, deeply generous, and possessing a quiet, remarkable strength, Jeanne loved greatly and was greatly loved. Though we take comfort in knowing that she has found eternal rest, reunited with loved ones and her heavenly Father, Jeanne will be profoundly missed. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have offered support during this difficult time, and those who have shared their memories of, and sentiments for, Jeanne. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell A memorial service will be held in Jeanne’s childhood home, Mahe, Seychelles at a later time. A memorial service is also planned to be held in Tallahassee. Please continue to review website for forthcoming details. In lieu of flowers or other memorial gifts, we ask that you consider honoring Jeanne with a donation to support the research of Dr. Steven Hughes of surgical oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. There are three ways to do this: You can make an online gift to this fund which directly supports the research being done by clicking this link: Jeanne Lane Memorial Pancreatic Research Fund (F028681) https://ufgive.to/JeanneLane Once you open the link, you will see a column on the right under Gift Options. Please click the button where it reads “This gift is a memorial or tribute gift.” As you complete the form to make your donation, you will then have the opportunity to fill in Jeanne’s name. You can also call a secure line to make a credit card donation by calling the University of Florida Foundation at 877-351-2377. If you have any questions prior to making the gift, please call either Dan Hoffman at 352-681-0148 or Chandler Sandy at 352-598-8687. They will be happy to assist you. Thank you for honoring Jeanne in such a meaningful way. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Jeanne Ruth Lane

September 25, 1960 - July 27, 2024