Visitation
Committal
Jane Holton Thomasson Gordon left this life in the early hours of May 4, 2023 at Amorem Hospice House, a few short months after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
We all accumulate things in life but when we leave this earth, the only important thing we leave is the love we have given to others. Jane left a legacy of love.
Jane was born on September 27, 1944, to Andrew Cash and Ruth Holton Thomasson in Salt Lake City, Utah. After Ruth’s death in 1946, she moved with her father and older sister, Susan, to Charlotte, North Carolina where they lived with her Uncle John and Aunt Rheba Thomasson. In November 1947, her father married Marie Marshall, who became her mother from that point forward. They made their home in the Plaza Hills neighborhood of Charlotte. She graduated from Garinger High School in 1962, followed by four years at Pfeiffer College. Upon completion of her degree in 1966, she began a teaching career of more than 30 years. She first taught in Winston Salem schools. During her summers she returned to graduate school at Appalachian State University for a Master’s Degree in Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, James Gordon. They married in June 1970. They settled in Morganton, where she continued teaching at Forest Hill Elementary School. Amy Meredith Gordon came into their family in 1976. Jane took a short time away from full-time teaching and savored every bit of motherhood. She then returned to her vocation, retiring in 2001.
Her gift and passion for teaching was evident to all who knew her. She took responsibility for teaching all fourth-grade students how to write in preparation for the state mandated writing test. Because of her success, Forest Hills was named a School of Distinction. One could say that she could read and write the King’s English.
She enjoyed road trips with Jim, especially exploring the mountains around her home. They traveled regularly to and from her parents’ home in Huntersville. She had a love of music, beginning with playing hymns endlessly for her grandparents along with her sister, Susan. She played the violin, piano and her banjo, which was made by her beloved father. She enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens, sharing bouquets with others. She was known at family reunions for her happy arrangements. Her cookie trays and breads were sought after, and her care packages treasured.
After her retirement, she took her greatest pleasure in her grandchildren. She had immense fun with them, especially encouraging Lego building with William and baking with Kalista. She enjoyed sharing the beauty of the mountains with them. All time spent with them was wonderful time. She thought of them as the best gifts she had been given.
Her faith in God was an integral part of her, and forever, her bedrock. She lived that faith and by her living, taught us. She was generous with her encouragement, enthusiasm, and optimism. She had the ability to ask questions and carefully listen to the answers she received. She wanted to know about people, and people wanted to share with her. Old and young, people were comfortable in conversation with her. She will be missed by all those who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Holton Thomasson (1944) and father, Andrew Cash Thomasson (2004).
She is survived by her husband, James Gordon; mother, Marie M. Thomasson; daughter, Amy Meredith Gordon (Will Owen); grandchildren, William and Kalista Owen; sister, Susan Marshall (John); brother, Carl Thomasson (Susan); and sister, Alice Thomasson (Phil Thompson). She also left behind many much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.
Jane’s memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023 in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, 100 Silver Creek Road. The family will receive visitors after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton (100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or fpcmorganton.org) or to Amorem Hospice, Valdese (902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or amoremsupport.org).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.
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Uncle Jimmy I'm very sorry to find out of the passing of Aunt Jane. My heart felt sorrow and condolences to you and your family. I'm here for you if you need anything. Love your nephew Arthur Knapp
Dear Mr. Gordon, Amy and Family, My sincere sympathy on Jane’s passing. I enjoyed knowing her at Forest Hill School. She was always kind and greeted me with a smile! She was a gifted educator and well respected. I was blessed to grow professionally around good teachers and fine administrators, like you, Mr. Gordon! I grieve when I read about the deaths of the many fine people I worked with in the BCPS. I wish you comfort and strength in the days to come! Nancy Ferguson Brown, Former PH Hygienist
What a loss for you and your family. Our hearts will be with you all at this sad time. Jane was such a good friend and I loved teaching with her. I loved being Amy's teacher during her third grade year when we presented the play about the founding of NC and the Lost Colony. She played the Queen of Spain! I also was pleased to serve when you were principal of Glen Alpine. Jane's world will miss her greatly. Our best to you.
I am so sorry to hear of Jane passing away. She was a lovely person inside and out. It is a pleasure to have known her and to have been one of your employees. I have always had the deepest admiration and respect for both of you. God bless you and your family and may He hold you close in this time of mourning. Love and many prayers are sent your way.