Mrs. Jane Rice Pickren, age 84, of Vidalia died Wednesday morning, August 5, 2015 at Community Hospice of Vidalia after a brief illness.  

Jane was a native and lifelong resident of Vidalia.  She was a dedicated elementary school teacher, chosen Teacher of the Year for Lyons Elementary School and Toombs County School System in 1980.    During her teaching career she was a member of the Classroom Teachers Organization, PTA, GAE and NEA; was Chairman of the Textbook Committee; and served on the elementary accreditation committee.  

Jane’s faith in God and church family was also very important to her as she was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Vidalia. She was a member of United Methodist Women since the 1950’s, where she previously served as President, Nominations Chairman, and Coordinator of Christian Global Concerns.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church Council on Ministries, the Administrative Board and many other positions throughout the church.  She was a member and former teacher of Teenie Rountree Sunday School class.

Jane also was very active and supported numerous civic organizations.  She was a member of the Vidalia Pilot Club, where she was chosen as Pilot of the year in 1989 and 1994; she also served as the editor of the Pilot Club newsletter for eight years.  She served as secretary of the 1990 Vidalia Centennial Corporation and volunteered for Salvation Army Food Closet and Thrift Store, Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Appeal, the Leukemia Society of America, and the American Heart Association. She was a trustee for Ohoopee Regional Council for the Arts and Altama Museum and was on the Board of Directors for Ohoopee Regional Council for the Arts.  In 1995, she was named the “Woman of the Year” for Vidalia.

She is survived by five daughters, Madolyn Bryant (Ron) of Kansas City KS, Louise Rushing (Dan) of Atlanta, Linda Newton (Rodney) of Millen, Cindy Clinch (Steve) of Omaha NE, and Dawn Carlson (Paul) of Atlanta; four siblings, Leba Goode (Glenn) of Vidalia, David Rice (Carol) of Vidalia, Allen Rice (Nancy) of Vidalia and Claudia Walton (Mike) of Vidalia; eight grandchildren, Alex Bryant, Ross Bryant, Matthew Newton (Julie), Michael Newton (Ellie), Mark Newton, Sam Clinch, Steven Carlson and Conner Carlson; and two great-grandchildren, Jasper and Dewey Newton.   Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Jane Rice Pickren will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Vidalia with Reverend Robert Greene and Jose Caraballo officiating.  Interment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vidalia First United Methodist Church, Community Hospice, Magnolia Springs State Park, or the charity of your choice.

Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.