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Obituary For Jane Spann
Jane Bruce Blakely Spann, (88) of Spartanburg, SC died January 11, 2026. She was married to the late Charles A. Spann, Sr. for fifty (50) years. A native of Cayce, SC., Jane Bruce was the second child of the late Benjamin Lewellyn Blakely and EdellaBrown Blakely and the beloved mother of two children, Charles Aron Spann, Jr., and Carol Adele Spann Joyner. Jane Bruce lived a life of service to her family, church and community as a devoted mother, loving grandmother, teacher, and volunteer.
Jane Bruce was educated in the Lexington County school system where in 1955, she was an honor graduate of Lakeview High School. After graduating high school, Jane Bruce attended St. Augustine’s College (University,) Raleigh, North Carolina where she earned a B.A. degree in Music Education. She was a member of the Canterbury Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Kappa Alpha Humanities Honor Society, Student Council, and College Choir. She was a 1959 honor graduate. Jane Bruce also, held a Master’s Degree in Education from Converse College (University,) plus the additional thirty (30) hours.
Upon graduating from St. Augustine’s College (now University,) Jane Bruce began her career as an educator at Colleton High School in Walterboro, South Carolina as an English and Choral Music teacher. In 1963, Jane Bruce moved to Spartanburg to become an Elementary Music Specialist at Mary H. Wright Elementary School. Upon the integration of the schools, Jane Bruce served both Mary H. Wright (31 years) and E. P. Todd Elementary for fourteen years. She also traveled into Jesse Boyd and Pine Street Elementary Schools as an Elementary Music Specialist on the primary level. Jane Bruce also taught in the Saturday College at Spartanburg Junior College (Methodist) Winter Term for 1973 and 1974. After retiring from teaching in 1994, Jane Bruce served as a substitute teacher for fourteen years.
Mrs. Spann, a cradle Episcopalian, was also, very active in her church. Previously, a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Cayce, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Columbia, in 1963, Jane Bruce became active in Episcopal Church of the Epiphany where she was a member for more than sixty years. Jane Bruce was the first elected female Senior Warden of the church. She served as a church musician for thirty years. She also, served as a Worship Leader, Eucharistic Minister, and Eucharistic Visitor. She served as the chairperson of College Work, Bena Dial, Episcopal Relief and Development, member and Secretary of the Society of Mary and Chair of the Altar Guild. Jane Bruce was also, Secretary of the Episcopal Church Women. She was the organizer, charter memberand president of the Dorcas Chapter of the Daughters of the King. In 1998, Jane Bruce was elected to serve on Bishop and Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. She was also appointed to serve on the following committees: New Parishes and Missions, State of the Church, Select Commission on Constitution and Canons, Kanuga Board of Visitors, and the nominating committee for the first Diocesan Executive Council of the Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Jane Bruce also represented her church as a member of the Interfaith Alliance. On February 27, 1994, Jane Bruce was recognized by Church of the Epiphany for her “Devotion and Service” to the church.
Jane Bruce was extremely active in her community. She was a board member of Spartanburg Parents Who Care, Health Resource Center, board member and secretary of Spartanburg Youth Theater, Executive Board Treasurer of Spartanburg High School PTA, member and secretary of the Executive Committee of Spartanburg County Senior Centers. She also served as chair of the Spartanburg County Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Mrs. Spann served as President, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary and Charter Member of the Spartanburg Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – the oldest African-American family organization in the United States. She served as the Chair of the Regional Constitution and Bylaws Committee and member of the National Constitution and Bylaws committee. Jane Bruce served two terms as president of the Spartanburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and as Vice-President and Parliamentarian. She organized the Delta Kids program for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority which worked in several of the schools in Spartanburg School District # 7.
Mrs. Spann served as a board member of the Spartanburg County Historical Association and Chaplain of the SpartanburgRetired Teachers Association. Previously, she was a member of theNational Education Association, South Carolina Education Association, and the Palmetto Education Association. Jane Bruce was a member of the South Converse Neighborhood Association and Secretary of South Converse Neighborhood Association Board. She was also a member of the Emerald Circle. Jane served as a volunteer at the Chapman Cultural Center for a number of years.
Jane Bruce felt that her greatest contribution to this life was as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She hopes that her unconditional love, wisdom, inspirational messages, encouragement, and nurturing will forever be a part of the lives of her children, grandchildren and other lives that she touched, as well.
In addition to her son and daughter, Jane Bruce is survived by Carol’s husband, Darren Reed (‘Chip’) Joyner of Atlanta, GA: five grandchildren: Courtney Alexandra Spann , Charles Aron Spann III, Hudson Blakely Joyner, two step grandchildren – Darren Chase Joyner and Dylan Marie Joyner; sister, Betty Montgomery of Charlotte, NC, brother, John Elliott (Zephia) Blakely of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by her special nieces and nephews of her sisters and brothers and her husband’s sisters and brother. Also, the children of dear friends whom she felt were connected to her in so many ways and three special goddaughters – Sheri Cunningham Daniels, Stacey Smith Wilson and Norma Foster Green.
The Omega Omega Service by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc will be held on Friday, January 16th at Woodward Funeral Home at 6pm. The service is open to the public. In addition, the family will receive friends and family from 7pm-8pm. A celebration of life will be held at Saturday, January 17th at 1pm, at The Episcopal Church of the Advent conducted by The Reverend Richard Proctor and The Reverend Paula R. Griffin. A reception for family and friends will follow the service in the Parish and Community Life Center. A private burial for family will be held immediately following the reception at Heritage Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Memorial Cemetery Association c/o St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1300 Pine Street, Columbia, South Carolina or Saint Augustine’s University, 1315 Oakwood Avenue Raleigh, North Carolina 27610-2247.
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Spartanburg Chapter of Jack and Jill sent Pink Tribute Spray for Jane Spann - January 13, 2026
What an illustrious and impressive life's journey for Ms. Jane Spann to have lived! Blessings, Dr. Littlejohn and Family
To the Spann family, sending my deepest condolences to you with prayers during this time of sorrow. She was such a beautiful woman inside and out. Remembering her beautiful face at E. P. Todd elementary school.
Regina Nichols Anderson
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Carol and Charles I am so sorry for your loss. As my elementary school music teacher your mother made me feel like I was somebody. She never let me doubt myself and what I could accomplish in this world. It was your mother that taught me that you're not what people say about you you're only what you respond to. I am the man that I am today because she crossed my life early on. Thank you for sharing her with me and thousands like me. Please know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers!!!🙏 🙏
My sincere condolences to the Spann family. I pray God will bless you all with the strength needed for this time. Thank you all for the opportunity to meet and spend time with Mrs. Spann. May God continue to strengthen all of you.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Spann sounds like an extraordinary women - an educator and community pillar whose impact clearly reached far beyond her family. Please know (Courtney) that you're in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Jane will be missed at The Church of The Advent. We sat on the same pew during Sunday service, and enjoyed talking about the friendship our sons, Linny and Charles, shared in high school. God Bless her and the family. My deepest condolences.
Our sincere sympathy to the Spann family. Donnie & Jean Blackley
My thoughts and Prayers are with the family of Mrs. Spann. She had a Sweet Sweet Spirit! She had a beautiful Smile and was beautiful from the inside out! Heaven has gained another Child of God!
Many Blessings to the Spann family. Charles & Carol, my family and I have you in our prayers and I have so many great memories of this beautiful woman while at Mary H. Wright and throughout my life. She leave you with a legacy of Love and integrity. I know so many people while were youth, were impacted by her grace and love. I always remember her telling me, "I know your mother would not be proud of your condcut, I think I may give her a call". I am so grateful to have been impacted and influenced by Mrs. Jane Spann. She was such a wonderful and caring educator but more important an awesome mother. I am so happy that she was part of my early life and childhood that inspired me to be better no matter where I came from. Rest Well!
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You have been an amazing contribution to our community and we love you so much. We offer our deepest condolences 🙏.
Jane Spann was an icon in Spartanburg. Her grace and elegance were an example for all- not just the young women but all who knew her. She taught her classes with a charm that stuck with her students long after they left her. Even after retirement, she continued to make a difference by subbing for years. Everyone loved her. Take your rest young lady. You certainly have earned it. May God put his arms of comfort around your family. Let's not be sad but glad that she has made it home.
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Jane was a wonderful person and she was a delight to be around at the Book and Brown Bag class at the Advent.
She was a wonderful person.My condolences to great people Charles and Carol
Many thanks to the Spann family for the impact made and legacy left on so many youth who were fortunate enough to start out at Mary H Wright Elementary School. The educators taught, cared and gave so much to the youth. I'm grateful to be one of many they influenced. Before retiring from Spartanburg County Public Libraries, I would occasionally see Mrs. Spann and she was still the poised, confident and kind teacher I remembered from 55+ years ago! I'm grateful for time with Mrs. Spann, Mrs. Dorothy Jackson Byrd, Mr. Mobley, Ms Campbell, Mr. Barksdale, Ms.Tolliver, Mrs Foster Ms Springs and so many more who were wonderful teachers that cared so much! Mission accomplished JOB WELL DONE, RIP
All of Jane's neighbors will miss her. I have been so sorry she suffered from serious health problems and have missed talking with her. Through the years we had many chats about life, past and present and world situations. Such a smart, kind, lovely person with a pretty smile. It will not be the same on our street without Jane. My deepest sympathy to Charles and the entire family. Kathy Foster
To the family of Mrs Spann, I was one of her students at Mary H. Wright. I pray God comforts you all during this time. May he wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you peace. God bless you.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and strength in the love that surrounds you.
My condolences to the family. She was one of my favorite music teachers. She was so friendly person
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." My condolences to the family. Mrs. Spann was the epitome of lady. Continue to trust God for He will strengthen and sustain you during this season of your life. You were blessed to have her in your life.
I will miss our phone calls and friendship. You will sorely be missed. Carol and Charles you are in our prayers.
Kathryn Jones
Charles & Carol, we are praying for God's will to take over. Please, please please continue to celebrate her life. Dwayne & Michelle Byrd
Jane Spann was a beautiful woman, a woman that had care for kids future. She was my music teacher at Mary H. Wright when I was a young boy with no understanding of self appearance. She pulled me and a couple of young black boys to the back of her music room, and what she told us stuck with me for almost 50 years. She told us as little black boys growing up in this society you need to look presentable and try to keep your appearance suitable to who ever you my come across. Wow was first time a beautiful woman none related was given me some sort of blueprint of conducting myself as a proud black man. Love you. You will be missed but not forgotten
Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy Mrs Spann was a beautiful lady with awesome memories skills and nd leadership Rest in Heavenly Peace. Lynn Dawkins
I am truly saddened to learn of Jane's passing. She and I taught on the same hall at Mary H. Wright when I was a new, young teacher. One of my first thoughts was that she was one of the prettiest people I'd ever seen. I loved to hear her tell of how she and her husband met. Carol and Charles, please accept my most sincere sympathy. Cindy OQuinn
It is with great sadness that I have with the passing of Mrs. Jane Spann. Mrs. Spann was a fine lady with strong principles. I will keep the entire Spann Family in my thoughts and prayers.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
