Jayne Horvath Kissam, 68, beloved wife of 48 years passed away on Monday, April 21st in Alpharetta, Ga. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 26, 1946. Devoted wife of William T. Kissam and mother of three children, Barbara Kissam of Charlotte, N.C., Michael and Caroline Kissam of Greenville, S.C. and Amy Kissam-Sands and Dr. Skip Sands, Alpharetta, Ga. Proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, Allie Hood, Taylor Hood, Michael Kissam, Christopher Kissam, Emily Kissam, Kate Kissam and Ben Kissam. She is survived by her sister, Janis Rogers of Wilmington, N.C.; brothers, Jeff and Wanda Horvath of Newton, N.C. and Jay P and Brenda Daley Horvath of Stewart, Fla. Jayne graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1964, a B.S. from the University of North Carolina in 1971 and Executive Management Degree from Harvard University. She worked for 30 years in Executive Management positions with United Technologies, Pratt Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft. She retired as Director of Finance (CFO) with the joint venture of Sikorsky Helicopter and Boeing to build the Comanche Helicopter. During her professional career, Jayne was actively involved during her professional career in many eleemosynary endeavors. During her retirement in Decatur, she co-chaired Capital Campaigns for Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church, served on the Finance Council of Annunciation of the Lord Church, St. Ann School Board, Alumni Committee chair, and several church/school committees as well as sacristan for ten years. Jayne and her husband were instrumental in expanding the St. Ann School Foundation and recruiting children and community support for St. Ann School. She also served as President of the American Association of Women and volunteered in Hospice, CCD, Feeding the Poor, Easter Seals, Arc and the Norwalk, CT Oyster Festival. She was also active in volunteering at voter registration/voting polls and other civic affairs in the Decatur community. She was awarded and named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak for her civic and community volunteer work during her retirement.
As a dedicated mother and grandmother, Jayne and her husband traveled with their family throughout the USA, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean. Jayne was a devoted Clemson supporter and Tiger fan. She was a mentor to women climbing the corporate ladder and was successful in breaking the glass ceiling through her dedicated work and determination. Friends and family knew Jayne for her devotion and service to others.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday followed by a 2 p.m. funeral Mass at Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church, 3910 Spring Avenue, Decatur, Alabama. A graveside memorial service and burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville, N.C. at noon on Monday, April 28th. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible memorial donations can be made to the Jayne Kissam Memorial Fund, St. Ann School Foundation and mailed to St. Ann School, 3910 Spring Avenue SW, Decatur, AL 35603.
