of Little Rock, AR
February 29, 1936 - December 1, 2015
Jane Vernon Sevier of Little Rock passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. She was born on February 29, 1936 in Tallulah, Louisiana to John and Virginia Vernon Sevier.
Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her special cousins, Alan Pierce (Shelia) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Gerald Pierce (Gloria) of Nashville, Tennessee. Also left to cherish her memory are her family of former Henderson State Reddies and lifetime friends.
She received her B.S.E. degree from Northeast Louisiana State University and her Master's degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. After graduating college, she began her coaching career at Tallulah High School but quickly moved to the college level when she was hired by Henderson State in 1966.
Jane, the pioneer of women's basketball at Henderson State University, began the Lady Reddie program in 1969. Her teams won Arkansas State Championships in 1969, 1972, 1973, and 1974. Later in her career, she shifted venues to the tennis court where she coached the tennis team until her retirement in 1991. Coach Sevier totaled 188 wins during her career as head coach of the Lady Reddies. She was inducted into the Reddie Hall of Honor in 2003.
After retiring from Henderson, Jane moved to Little Rock and worked part-time at Cook's Jeep until 2010. During this time, she became an ''adopted'' member of the Cook family and was included in all family functions.
Jane enjoyed many hobbies such as playing golf, reading a Patricia Cornwell book, and watching anything sport related on television. She also loved spending time with all of her four-legged friends that she raised over the years. She never met a dog or cat she didn't love.
Raised in the Presbyterian church, Jane lived her faith by being kind to all and never casting judgement on anyone. As a result, everyone who met her fell in love with her warm smile and witty sense of humor.
Funeral Services will be held at 4:30 P.M., Friday, December 4th, 2015 at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, with Ken Shepard officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home prior to the service from 3:00-4:00 P.M. Interment will be on Saturday, December 5th, 2015, at 12:00 P.M. at the Silver Cross Cemetery in Tallulah, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210; Care for Animals, Inc., 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72207; or the Holt Wallace White Sevier Scholarship Fund at H.S.U. Foundation, H.S.U. Box 7550, Arkadelphia, AR 71999.
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11 Condolence(s)
Tamyra Fox
Sunday, December 13, 2015
How I will miss you, Jane! I loved this woman as if she were my own family, and as far as I am concerned, she was. I even gave my oldest daughter Jane as her middle name. Jane loved it and called her Baby Jane. I loved out talks by the come machine at works years ago, and loved our visits over the phone. Heaven is a little brighter with you, but it's a little darker here without you. We will miss you "Grammer Jane!"
Gerald V. Pierce
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Dear Jane: It has been several days now, and it is still hard for me to realize that you are gone. You were the sister I never had; my friend; playmate during those early, care-free growing up years; and we had a lot of fun.Then through high school and college. We did not see each other all that often, but the bond was still there. Yet, when the final moments came, I could not be there with you. Neither could I be there for the final goodbye at the funeral service. That hurts, and probably will for some time to come. So Randall agreed to be present as our representative: for Gloria and me; for Nancy; and for Edward. I am glad that Alan could be there. We will all miss you. I have been told that in the last years you have had several friends that cared about you, watched over you, helped you, and did things for you. These are the kind of friends this world needs: those who back up words with action. I truly appreciate them, and I am glad they were there for you. I notice that the HSU page descried you as a legend. My cousin. WOW!
Love, Jerry
Nancy Pierce
Friday, December 4, 2015
Jane was a wonderfully funny, cool and smart person. I loved times I got to spend with her. She was very dear to my family and will be truly missed. Love you Jane.
Linda Ellis Wilcox
Friday, December 4, 2015
I knew Coach Jane Sevier when I was at HSU from 1970 -1974 . I played volleyball and some of my good friends played basketball. She will be missed.
Karen Johnson
Thursday, December 3, 2015
The Lord accepts another angel in heaven! Although I was never as close to Jane as many were, I know that never a harsh word was said about this lady. Truly a friend to ALL. Prayers up to all that are grieving for this great lady.
Ethel
Thursday, December 3, 2015
I love you my dear old friend. Ill see you
again love E
Toni Baird
Thursday, December 3, 2015
I consider Coach Sevier an influence, role model, and a friend, especially during my time at HSU. I am very blessed that you were a part of my life. Rest in peace dear lady. I will miss you.
Mark Roberts
Thursday, December 3, 2015
My deepest condolences on the loss of Coach Sevier. I enjoyed her as a teacher and was a huge asset to Henderson State University. She will be missed by many.
Respectfully,
Mark Roberts
Texarkana
wincie & Becky
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
This is a sad time for the family and friends of this remarkable woman. Prayers for comfort for all. We met Jane this past summer and wish we had known her when she was well. The funny, loving, caring stories about her from former students and many friends are amazing!!! Sounds as though she lived a rich, full life!!
Godspeed.
Pam Click
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Ms. Sevier was one of my physical education instructors at Henderson from 1970-74. She was a good teacher and possessed a passion for women's sports. Young women now owe a great deal to pioneers like her. May she rest in peace.
Claudette Harris
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Miss Sevier was my coach and advisor at HSU years ago. She was a special person and friend.