Jane DeFriese

Jane Ellen DeFriese, age 74, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020 at Hospice of Chattanooga after a lengthy illness.

She was born on December 12, 1945 in Trion, Georgia as the second child of Ralph Lee DeFriese and Lela Burdette DeFriese.

She is survived by one brother, Gordon H. DeFriese of Raleigh, NC; a niece, Becky Lynn DeFriese Campbell of Raleigh, NC; Becky’s husband, Michael Campbell, and Becky’s two children: Brandon and Megan Campbell; a nephew, Jon Burton DeFriese of Charlotte, NC; and Jon’s wife, Kathryn, and three children: Katelyn, Cameron and Caroline DeFriese; and Jane Ellen’s “adopted” sister and best friend, Jacqeline Parramore of Ringgold, Georgia.

She was a graduate of Chattanooga Central High School, where she graduated in two years. She attended Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tennessee for one year, then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, from which she received both undergraduate and master’s degrees. Before attending MTSU, she worked for a couple of years at WDEF Television in Chattanooga. After college she taught at Howard High School in Chattanooga and later worked for the Tennessee Department of Corrections directing educational programs at a maximum security prison. In her later years of professional work she enjoyed several years of employment in the insurance industry with AFLAC company.

She was an enthusiastic fan of country music and American jazz and represented a number of musical groups, arranging for their live performances in the greater Chattanooga Area.

Jane Ellen was known among her close friends and family members for her straightforward, and often blunt, comments, often sprinkled with a clear sense of cynicism. Underneath, and in her behavior generally, she was seen as a very kind and caring person, with many close friends with whom she shared various interests and activities. She was a never-ending ambassador for Chattanooga and its many facets, promoting all of its many distinctive characteristics and attractions.

According to her wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. Cremation will be arranged by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services. Those who wish to honor her memory in some way are encouraged to contribute to the Food Bank of Chattanooga, one of her favorite charities.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.

Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com