Jane Beverly Williams Smith

Jane Williams Smith entered into eternal rest on April 2, 2011.  Jane was born at midnight on December 6, 1924 in the coal mining Appalachian mountain town of Norton, VA to parents, Eula Pearl Bolling Beverly and William Roy Beverly.

Jane was born with an entrepreneurial spirit - first earning commissions at age 11 of 25 cents apiece for ironing starched size 42 nursing uniforms for her cousin.  At age 16, she was out-earning the town theatre's management by dressing in a Philip Morris outfit and selling popcorn on commission from a spotless red and stainless steel cart in front of the theatre.

Jane graduated from Wise County High School, worked in Civil Service in Ft. Myers, FL during WWII and after moving to Charleston, SC in 1946, worked for Southern Shipping.  She was the only female on the east coast managing a shipping agency. 

Her unflagging belief in the free enterprise system enabled her to be one of the first women in the previously male dominated Charleston real estate sales market.  She started her real estate career in 1965 and opened Jane Williams Realty in 1968.   Jane was the first woman to be elected president of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. and the first woman to be elected president of the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS.

Ms. Williams served on numerous REALTOR committees at the local, state and national level and was REALTOR of the Year in 1980.  Jane was a life member of the REALTORS Political Action Committee, and a recipient of the REALTOR Silver Service Award.  Jane was never afraid of hard work or competition and believed in providing equal quality service.  Her company motto was "service beyond the contract".

She served the community as a dedicated supporter of Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts of America, organizations for children with cancer, Veterans of World Wars and the Navy League.  She was a member of the Bolling Family Association and Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she was a deacon and former president of the women of the church.

Jane was predeceased by husband, Derrill Fulton Williams, from Big Stone Gap, VA, to whom she was married from 1942-1984.  She was predeceased by Brig. General William Lee Smith, to whom she was married from 1993-1996 and in whose name she endowed a sword to be presented each year to the Outstanding Marine graduate at The Citadel.  She was also predeceased by husband, Earl Raymond Mays, Jr., composer/arranger and former Citadel Band Director, to whom she was married from 2002-2007.  Daughter, Derrill Leigh Williams Harter, also passed away in 2007.

Jane is survived by daughters, Teena Williams Martindale and T.J. Williams Thompson; step-daughters, Karen Smith Kelly and Julie Mays Cannell; step-sons, Hugh Smith, Tom Mays and Bob Mays; grandchildren, Maria Harter, Christopher Harter, and Jayne Anne Ballentine; and great-grandson, Conner Cox, who lovingly called her GiGi (Great-Grandmother).  His bright smile, enthusiastic hugs and curly red hair always brought a smile to her face.

Jane will be remembered as a good cook and hostess, sharp dresser and enthusiastic dancer.  Until recently, she traveled and cruised and played a mean game of bridge.  She especially enjoyed the affection of her devoted bichon, Buddy, and appreciated the special care and attention of her many friends and relatives.

Flowers will be accpeted or donations may be made in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 508 Hampton Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201.

Funeral services will be held in Westminster Presbyterian Church Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be private. 

Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL of Charleston.