Jane Jelley

Mary Jane Jelley, age 74 of Athens, TN passed away Thursday  June 22, 2023  at Waters of Sweetwater. Jane was born in Chattanooga, TN and grew up in Athens. She was the daughter of the late William Garnett Watt and Katherine Hazel Swaggerty Watt. She graduated from McMinn County High School in 1966, married her high school sweetheart, the late Larry A. Jelley was a  member of the Church of Christ since childhood, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Palmetto Bible Camp Counselor, missionary, and preacher's wife. Together they shared the Gospel and established or built-up congregations for more than 40 years in Idaho, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. They also ministered at a private special need's facility for disabled adults, and opened their home as foster parents for David Hite, a special needs child. After moving back to McMinn County, they operated the Sylvan Learning Center. Her volunteer activities included mission trips to Panama and Nicaragua; and calling and sending cards to church members and loving on and playing with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Jimmie Sue Watt Walker, William Garnett Watt Jr. and Steven Alex Watt, and nephews and niece: William Mark Rogers, Marla Suzanne Walker, and Daniel Ray Watt.
Survivors include survived her three children: Kathy (Doug) Chesney, Wayne (Kristine) Jelley, and Troy Jelley; Grandchildren: Beth (Horatio) Bonds, Ann Inglis, Karen (Zack) Johnson, Christopher Jelley, and Nicole Jelley; Great Grandchildren: Katie Inglis, Kara Inglis, Winston Bonds, Sophie Bonds, Rose Bonds, and Clay Bonds; siblings Connie Queen, Patricia White, and Walter Watt.
In lieu of flowers, please send Memorial contributions to the mission and people that captivated the hearts of Larry & Jane Jelley: Central American Missions, c/o Athens Church of Christ, P.O. Box 494,
Athens, TN 37371.
The family will receive friends from from 5-7 pm Wednesday, June 28, 2023  at Athens Church of Christ The memorial service will follow with Mark Littleton and Robby  Nesbitt officiating.   Interment will be at Upper Spring Cemetery at a later date.
Services will be held at Athens Church of Christ, 1016 North Avenue, Athens, TN 37303. Condolences may be sent to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/mary-jelley   Arrangements by Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn.