Shirley Jane Barksdale passed away on August 3, 2023, at the age of 82. She was born Shirley Jane Darmer to John and Catherine Darmer in Newport, Tennessee on January 13,1941, and was raised in north Alabama, eventually settling in Athens.
Jane met Frank Barksdale through her brother, Julian, and they were married on September 3, 1960. They had three children and Jane spent her time being a mother, sewing, cooking, reading, traveling and gardening. She also enjoyed spending time with her large extended family. In 1977, Frank’s job with IBM moved them to Texas and they settled in Round Rock. Jane was always an active member of the Round Rock Church of Christ, and later the Westside Church of Christ. She taught preschool Bible classes, enjoyed ladies’ classes, retreats and helped organize many PrimeTimer events. Jane worked for Round Rock ISD for twelve years as a teaching assistant for special needs students, a job that she truly enjoyed. She loved to cook and will always be remembered for her talent of sewing and needlework. Jane never sat down without having a crochet, needle point or knitting project to work on.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Ellen, brothers Billy, Johnny and Julian (Virginia) Darmer of Athens. Jane leaves behind her husband Frank, son Dave (Jo Ann) of Prospect, TN, daughters Gayle Rainwater (Steve) of Georgetown, TX and Gwen Peel (Ronnie) of Round Rock, TX, her much adored granddaughters, Haley Sanchez (Jesse) of Lubbock, TX and Kayla Raymond of Round Rock. Her siblings, Stella Mullins, Trudy Romine (Kedrick), and Joe Darmer (Rene) all of Athens, AL, along with many nieces and nephews. Jane will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 10 at the Limestone Chapel Funeral Home from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Graveside services will be at Limestone Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Friday, August 11 at 11:00 am in Athens.
The family would like to thank the staff at Trinity Care Center in Round Rock, Texas for the kind and loving care Jane received while living there.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Central Texas Children’s Home or World Bible School.
