Jane Liles Burns

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June 21, 1941 ~ January 12, 2021

Jane Liles Burns, of Raleigh, North Carolina, beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on January 12, 2021, at the age of 79, from complications of Covid-19. Jane was born in Raleigh, but spent most of her early life living as an Army “brat” in five different states, including Anchorage, Alaska, as well as, Vienna and Salzburg, Austria, in Europe. After returning to Raleigh as a teenager, Jane graduated from Fayetteville High School, and then attended Woman’s College in Greensboro. To continue her education, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she received a degree in Journalism from the University of Louisville. She remained in Louisville until 2013, when she returned to Raleigh with her daughter, Diane, to be closer to family.
Although Jane’s study of journalism enhanced her ability to be wonderfully creative in her writing, it was not the writing that defined her and shaped her whole personality and being. Jane’s passion was art. Her legacy was being a talented, unbelievably creative, and accomplished artist. In Louisville, her artwork was well-known under the name “Jane Oglesby Burns.” She worked for many years for Little Peoples Workshop, where she illustrated wonderful teaching aids for children. She also developed greeting cards that were published by Hallmark. She created many delightful and original paintings on canvas, stained glass, pottery sculptures, appliqued cloth banners, and numerous other types of art that illustrated her unlimited imagination. Among her most well-known pieces was a cover for the Kentucky Derby Program and a whimsical map of the City of Louisville. Jane’s creativity was reflected in her wonderful sense of humor, the twinkle in her eyes, her compassionate heart, and her unwavering love for her daughter, Diane.
Jane was predeceased by her parents, the late James and Cora Alice Liles, of Raleigh. In addition to her daughter, Diane Michele Burns, of Louisville, she is survived by her sister, Alice Liles Sharpe, nieces Cindy Sharpe Keen, Donna Sharpe Campbell, and her husband, Craig, all of Raleigh, and many much-loved great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family is forever grateful to Hillcrest Raleigh at Crabtree for making the last few years of Jane’s life happy and meaningful. She was blessed to find a “home” at Hillcrest after a series of falls that caused Jane’s health to fail. She was unable to walk or even transfer herself from wheelchair to bed but because of the compassionate and competent physical therapists at Hillcrest, Jane went from “bedridden” to “strutting around” with her rollator almost anywhere she wanted to go. After discovering Jane’s creative abilities, the Activities staff did everything possible to provide Jane an opportunity to paint, so once again, Jane was able to be in her “happy place” with her paints. Hillcrest residents and staff became Jane’s family and a mutual admiration for many was developed during the years she was there.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Montlawn Memorial Park.
A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh, NC.

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Guestbook

1. Lyn Triplett

   Beautiful! Prayers for the family.

2. JUDITH HYDE

   I met Jane in 1994 when I became a member of Springdale Church in Louisville. I sat by her in our Sunday School Class and we said a few words to each other and laughed! When I was with her from that moment we were laughing about something all the time. We worked together at the Church on different projects.
   We went to GooseCreek Diner every couple weeks and talked for hours, laughing all the time.

   When she moved to Raliegh we talked on the phone every few weeks, sent cards and always kept in touch.

   I feel sad that I have lost one of the dearest friends, my heart is hurting. I will never forget this wonderful talented lady.

   God bless her sweet heart – I bet they are laughing!

   Judy Hyde

3. DIANE BURNS

   jane was a wonderful mother to me growing up. We had all of those wonderful birthday parties and christmases. rest in peace mommy. i love you

4. Ginger McBride

   I’m so very sorry to read of Jane’s passing. My thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this difficult time. Diane and I grew up on the same street. I have many wonderful memories of slumber parties at the Burns’ house. I will never forget Jane’s warmth or smile. She also particularly loved Tab soda & even once ran to my rescue when my mom’s VW bug started rolling backwards down her driveway with me inside! Jane meant a lot to so many people & she will certainly never be forgotten. Sending my love out to you all.

5. Barbara Gibler, Chris Gibler, Bobby Gibler

   My sincere sympathy goes to Diane and her family. I met Mrs. Burns at least twice and spoke to her many times on the phone. She seemed to be a sweet lady, always polite and cordial. And I am very happy to hear about her education in Journalism and her many achievements in the field of art, including the cover for the Kentucky Derby Program and the map of Louisville. She was a true southern lady, always gentle and nice. I am sorry for the challenges she faced in older age, but thanks to Hillcrest for taking care of her in so many ways.

   Diane, I have known you since my teaching days at Bellarmine University. I hope we can stay in touch, maybe have a lunch together when we are all vaccinated against Covid. In the meantime, I am a phone call away if you need to talk. I can relate to your loss, as I lost my mom when I was about your age. It isn’t easy. But I pray that you will be comforted, eventually, by happy memories of you and your mom together. Take care and God Bless,

   Barbara Gibler, Chris and Bobby Gibler Mason (Cincinnati) Ohio

6. Jane Martin

   Jane was a delightful and talented lady! Regardless of illness & pain she was always upbeat. Miles apart, our conversations were fun and I have appreciated her art for many years. She will be greatly missed by friends and family.

7. Lewanna Stout

   What a beautiful tribute. We can all see that the artistic talents run through this family and that it is shared by many. What a wonderful way to share your life. Best regards Lewanna Stout

8. Kathy Davis

   I was fortunate to meet Jane at Hillcrest where I volunteered at Bingo. My parents and Jane were some of the participants. Her beautiful paintings were displayed around the Activities Center and we were able to see her paintings exhibited at the NC State Fair. She was a joy to be around. She will be dearly missed.

9. DIANE BURNS

   my favorite memories of my mother include all of the wonderful birthdays and christmases. I loved watching movies and game shows with her. We loved dancing with the stars and the Price is Right. She was a wonderful mother and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Mommy.