Jane Gardner Oakes

August 18, 1935 - August 16, 2021

Abingdon, VA. Jane Gardner Oakes, 85, died Monday, August 16, 2021, at her home in the Brumley Gap community of Washington County. She was the daughter of the late Melvin and Charlotte Oakes. Jane was raised in Gladys, VA and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Mary Washington College. She had a highly successful career and retired as a supervisor for Abbott Labs in North Carolina. Jane had an intense passion for genealogy and developed and administered a massive project to preserve historical records for the Historical Society of Washington County. She was also passionate about the preservation of the mountains of southwestern Virginia, especially those near her home, and the animals and springs therein. Jane leaves behind several cousins, including Charles Ross McDowell, III, and many friends, although she was preceded in death by her best friend, Shirley Ann Lee. Jane was exceedingly grateful for her devoted caregivers who enabled her to remain at her home. At her request, there will be no formal funeral service; but a graveside service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Kedron Baptist Church Cemetery in Gladys. Suggestions for those wishing to make a memorial include preservation of their family history for future generations and providing assistance with the protection of animals, both wild and domestic, and of mountains and the streams and springs therein. Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service in Gladys is in charge of arrangements.