Jane Staley Pardue

Jane Staley Pardue passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 15, 2024, at the age of 84. Jane was born on February 11, 1940, in North Wilkesboro, NC to her loving parents, Enoch and Mary Staley. She was the eldest of 3 children. Born at home near the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Jane loved life to the fullest. Being left-handed, Jane learned early on that life would have its challenges. Jane never let the challenges in life deter her from always having a positive attitude, to never give up and to love and enjoy life with all your heart. 

Jane married the love of her life Fred E. Pardue in 1958 after graduating with Honors from Wilkes Central High School. Fred often referred to his wife as his bride and “Pearl”. Jane and Fred were married for 65 years. They had 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Jane and Fred’s journey as a young married couple was just the beginning of a lifelong career in the education system. From the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC to Berea College in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee, Washington State University, the University of Georgia, and Clemson University, Fred and Jane eventually made Clemson SC their home for 58 years.   

Jane was a long-time member of The First Baptist Church of Clemson. Jane’s faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior was an instrumental part of her life. She and Fred taught 7^th Grade Sunday school for 20 years. Jane’s gentleness and insight for others left an impact on the youth of Clemson. 

Jane was a dedicated wife and mother. She was willing to do whatever was necessary to help support her family while Fred was in college and graduate school. From babysitting, ironing clothes for others, working as a secretary and even teaching kindergarten, Jane found her career at Clemson University at McAdams Hall. She dedicated her life to working as an Administrative Assistant for the Ag Engineering Department at Clemson University for 29 years.  Her commitment and hard work made her a cherished member of the university staff. Jane was known to many people as the “Weather Girl.”  She enjoyed work and being involved in the lives of the students. 

Jane spent her life giving to others and entertaining. She was an avid bridge player, loved reading and enjoyed any competitive game. Over the years Jane hosted many dinners. She especially loved those providing a family meal for Clemson University football players through the “Welcome Back“ program. Jane was an excellent cook and was known for her spaghetti and lasagna dinners.

Jane LOVED TO SHOP. She especially loved “trendy” clothes and took great pride in looking her best. She was never without her lipstick and always had her hair perfect. She enjoyed playing tennis and played in several competitive tennis leagues. Jane loved the beach and enjoyed sunbathing. Jane and Fred enjoyed traveling together and their travels led them to many places, including Australia, Hawaii, Romania, Aruba, and their annual trips to NY City for the NASCAR Awards Banquet. Jane spent her childhood and adult life helping her family at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. She had a deep love for Clemson football and all Clemson Athletics. She loved to spoil her grandchildren and children with family vacations. A lifetime of memories will be cherished from their years at “Pearls Place” at Myrtle Beach SC.

Jane loved her family with all her heart. Among her proudest accomplishments in life was her family. Jane is survived by her husband, Fred E. Pardue; sons Keith Pardue (Cathy) of Winter Haven, FL, and Kerry Pardue of Clemson, SC; daughter Kristi Baker (Daryn) of Augusta, GA; brother Mike Staley (Arlene) of North Wilkesboro, NC.

Know to her grandchildren as “Mama Jane”, her grandchildren included Stefanie Pardue, Kevin Pardue, Casey Pardue (Claire), Caitlin Chapman (Steven), Jonathan Baker (Jackie), Joshua Baker, and Elizabeth Jane Baker.

Over the years Jane had a wonderful, loving and dedicated group of women who provided her love and care that enabled her to continue living in her home with Fred.

Jane’s family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Julie Rule, Helen Heney, Michelle Altman, Heather Guy and Kayla Reece as well as the many others who provided care for Jane over the last 15 years after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and a 2009 stroke. 

A special thanks to Dr. Ted Swann, Clemson SC, for his dedication, attentiveness and expertise to Jane’s health and wellbeing for so many years. The family would also like to thank Dr. John Morgan from the Movement Disorder Clinic at MCG, Augusta GA, for his expertise in Parkinson Disease Research. Diagnosed at 58 years of age, Jane fought the challenges of PD for the remainder of her life. Dr. Swan and Dr. Morgan’s willingness to listen to Jane, treat her as an individual and provide state-of-the-art medical care for her, enabled her to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

Jane Staley Pardue will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her dedication to her work, love for her family, and zest for life will be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and unwavering support that will continue to inspire others for years to come.

In addition to her parents, Enoch and Mary Staley, Jane is preceded in death by sister Maxine Miller and daughter-in-law Jeanine LaRose Pardue (Keith). 

Up to her last days on this earth, Jane was still trying to take care of Fred and her family.  From always making sure the kitchen table lamp was on for Fred, making sure nobody sat in his place at the table, requesting that their coffee was heated up for 20 secs and making sure somebody fixed her grits, Jane continued to enjoy her life at home. She ended each night by always telling Fred “Goodnight Fred, stay in bed and I love you “.  Jane was adamant about calling her children each night to tell them goodnight and that she loved them. Jane would always end her conversations with” let’s say prayers.” Fred and Jane spent many days listening to Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memory” CD and watching Andy Griffith.

Jane’s final resting place will be at Cemetery Hill next to the Clemson University Football Stadium.  And as always, the family tradition will continue………………… 

 1,2,3, 4  1,2,3, 4  C- L -E -M- S- O -N  T- I -G- E- R--- S, Fight Tigers, Fight Tigers, Fight, Fight, Fight! 

Jane's funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 20th, 2024, at 1 PM at Clemson First Baptist. Visitation will follow the service.

Donations in Honor of Jane may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation. Support the Parkinson's Foundation - Parkinson's Foundation (convio.net)

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.