Jane Obituary

Jane Gurney Teasley, 92, of Oak Ridge, died June 18 in the Oak Ridge Methodist Hospital. She was born September 7, 1918, to John O. Gurney and Elizabeth B. Gurney, in Rochester MN, where her father was a medical resident at the Mayo Clinic. She was the last survivor of four children, John, Jeannie and Charles. Jane lived in Oak Ridge almost as long as the city has existed, working at K-25 and the Oak Ridge National Lab until her retirement in 1984.

Jane lived in Greenwood MS, and Pine Bluff AR before moving to Oak Ridge with he mother, father and brother Charles at the end of World War II. She was devoted to her parents, and cared for her mother Elizabeth until she passed away at the age of 92. She graduated from Erskine College in South Carolina in 1939, and remained an active alumnus, frequently attending class reunions and volunteering for fundraising events.

Jane married for the first time at age 78 to Norman Teasley. They had worked together many years before at K-25, got reacquainted in 1996, and were married in 1998. They celebrated their 10th anniversary with a big open party, because "we know we won't make it to the 50th," as Jane said with a laugh. Mayor David Bradshaw declared Jan. 20 as Norman and Jane Teasley Day, noting that 'the entire city of Oak Ridge is blessed to have the energy and smiles of this wonderful couple in their community. Although she had no children of her own, Jane was a devoted caregiver to her nieces and nephews, Linda, Charles, Ingrid and Christopher. Before getting married, she was constantly accompanied by a series of lap dogs that followed her everywhere.

Everyone who knew Jane admired her positive spirit, good humor and constant attention to the needs of others. She devoted hundreds of hours to community service and tutoring, and was always available when her friends and family needed her. Despite years of failing health, Jane never complained, and always looked on the bright side of life. She lived at home with Norm until she passed away, and maintained an interest in gardening. She had a strong faith and was a member of the Kern Memorial United Methodist Church for many years.

Jane is survived by her husband Norman, and children Glenn and Norman Jr.

The funeral is Tuesday, June 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kern Memorial United Methodist Church 451 East Tennessee Ave. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00pm prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.