Beauty died on a sunny day with the passing of Jane B. Binns, 81. Surrounded by her children, Jane left for heaven Monday, October 29.
Faithful, loving wife to her husband Cliff of 58 years, wonderful sister, loving mother of five, special aunt to seven super nieces and nephews, and a sweet grandmother (Mama) to 10 remarkable grandchildren: such is Jane’s proud legacy.
Jane grew up in Bronx, NY, where she attended Our Lady of Refuge grades 1-8, and graduated valedictorian from St. Simon Stock High School. Entering the work force as executive secretary to Exxon upper management, Jane met her future husband Cliff and had five children. Devout follower of the New York Yankees—and sworn enemy of the Boston Red Sox—Jane rooted for all the greats, with Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra her favorites. A sports, game, and crafts enthusiast, Jane enjoyed playing high school basketball and later golf; she loved competing at partners Bridge; she also crafted needlepoint and designed her own clothing.
As an active parishioner of Saint Lawrence of Canterbury in Huntington, NY, Jane’s Sunday school teaching, Couple’s Club outings, and membership in The Episcopal Church Women remained some of her fondest memories and achievements.
Having moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1980, Jane continued raising her family while working at various office managerial positions. Her retirement years revolved around several trips to Europe and family visits throughout the U.S. Above all, Jane loved hosting family birthday parties, get togethers, and holiday celebrations best.
Certainly, Jane’s greatest gifts to her family and friends were her grace, integrity, kindness, and unselfishness. “Life is too short to be small” served as the motto she lived by, and “The Golden Rule” served as the guiding principle of her uniquely principled life. And, even as her body digressed, her eternal spirit endured: Jane showed extraordinary strength, serenity, and will, embracing and providing true Christian inspiration of a life lived intentionally, lived well, and lived to the very end of her most beautiful days.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 9, at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Refreshments to follow at Christ Church Parish Hall.
Condolences can be sent to 105 Poseidon Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Community Hospice of Jacksonville Beach and Christ Episcopal Church Youth programs.
Survivors include her children Craig (Sandra), Beth Ann (Jeff) Schoellkopf, Allison (Keith) Hutchinson, Todd (Lisa) Binns, and Scott Binns; her grandchildren include Carson, Brin, and Aidan Schoellkopf; Amy, Elly, and Claire Hutchinson; Riley and Tanner Binns; Colin and Ethan Binns; her sister Jill (John) Schwartz; brother-in-law Ted (Joyce) Binns; seven nieces, nephews, and many beloved cousins. Jane is pre-diseased by her brother John Earl (Maryanne) Butler, her sister-in-law Liz Binns, and her beloved husband of 58 years, Cliff.
