Jane Wilson Howington

Jane Wilson Howington, of Augusta, Georgia passed away on January 3, 2024 with her family by her side. She was born on April 18, 1942 in Lake City, South Carolina and is preceded in death by her mother, June Ham Wilson who blessed her with a courageous, indomitable and independent spirit.  She is survived by her husband, Jerry and two sons, Jay (Cathy) and Jed (Heather) and six grandchildren, Whitt (Virginia), Mason, Locke, Hamm, Meg, and Vivi Cate, her precious poodle, Tassie X and her dear friend, Anna Taylor (the Wonderful Diane) 

They moved to Augusta when she was a child and she attended Richmond County schools. While in high school at the ARC, she met Jerry Wayne Howington during a Young Life club, and their bond was cemented with a common faith in Jesus Christ. She graduated in 1960 and sought higher education at Wheaton College, but could only take Illinois for a year as her passion for Jerry drew her back to the south where she joined him at the University of Georgia. They married on December 19, 1961, and after graduating together in 1963, she and Jerry returned to Augusta. 

She worked as the student activities director for the Barrett School of Nursing and then taught world history at North Augusta High School while Jerry went to MCG and interned. Their adventure began in earnest when Jerry did his military service in the Air Force and was stationed in Thailand. Jane followed and lived for a year in Bangkok where she learned to speak Thai and bargain with the street vendors much to their chagrin. They also led Young Life clubs from 1963 until 1990, and she is largely responsible for leading many young girls to Christ.  

Her passion for teaching truly manifested itself in Bible studies and Sunday school, which she did with five classes a week for over 40 years at her home and at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church where she served as both a deacon and elder.  She was also an ardent fan of public education so much so that the PTA was not enough.  She ran for, and was the first female elected to, the Columbia County School Board and was also its first female chair.  She served on numerous boards over the years including Georgia Bank and Trust, Community Foundation for the CSRA and was a member of the Philomathic Club and Women in Philanthropy. She was chairman of the Richmond County Library board  and spearheaded getting the new Augusta library built. For her contributions to the city of Augusta the mayor proclaimed Sept 22, 2016 as Jane Howington Day . 

Along with teaching, she had a passion for travelling and doing so with her family.  Her favorite trips were ones to New York with the entire family for Thanksgiving.  The list of places that she and Jerry have visited span the globe from Europe to Australia and Africa. She was also a fanatic for the color orange despite being a UGA alumnus. With a life that contained so much and impacted so many, what mattered most to her was her relationship with Jesus Christ.  She spent every morning with her Bible, her journal and her coffee and was never more content than she was in that chair with Tassie praying at her feet.  

A memorial service is planned for January 21, 2024 at 2 o’clock at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Young Life of Augusta and wear something orange to the service.