Jane Coker Dunlap Pickel passed peacefully at the age of 94 at NHC of Oak Ridge on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, after a brief illness. Jane was born May 5, 1930, in Nashville, TN. As a child, she was involved in Girl Scouts and attended First Presbyterian Church, Nashville. She attended Donelson High School, where she played basketball. Her heart for service and philanthropy began at an early age. During WWII, she rolled bandages at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, which was used by the American Red Cross. She graduated from Donelson High in 1946 after already having taken a year of college courses at Ward Belmont, now Belmont University, where she majored in art. Jane met the love of her life, Dr. Thomas Wesley Pickel, Jr. in the Fall of 1948– after going on their first date to a Vanderbilt football game. They were married on June 9, 1951, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. They moved to Baytown, Texas, in 1951. In 1959, they moved with their two small children, Laura and Tom, back to Kingston, TN. Not long after returning, their family became complete with the birth of their third child, Margaret. She acquired a bachelor’s degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in elementary education with a focus in art education. She also received a master’s degree at UT in Special Education. Jane taught art and later taught first grade at Kingston Elementary School for 27 years. In addition to mentoring young teaching professionals, she fostered a classroom community focused on equality, social justice, and human rights for all. For over 65 years, Jane was an active member at Bethel Presbyterian Church (Kingston), where she faithfully served on the Fellowship Team. In her retirement, she was active in Delta Kappa Gamma and our local Retired Teachers organization. She spent many hours volunteering for FISH, which was supported by the Roane Ministerial Association. Jane will be remembered as a caring friend; a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; and adoring wife. Preceded in death by: Husband of 69 years, Thomas Wesley Pickel, Jr. Parents, Clyde and Christine Dunlap and brother, Clyde Dunlap Jr. In-laws, T. Wesley Pickel (Delia) and Mae Jackson Pickel Grandson, Jacob Murr Survived by: Children: daughter, Laura Dailey (Ted); son, Thomas Wesley Pickel III (Lisa); and daughter, Margaret Murr (Greg) Grandchildren: Stephanie Wright (Jay); Janice White (Carrie); Dr. Rebecca Pierce (Joe); Justin Murr (Astral); Rachel Gallaher (Adam); Ellen Dailey; Jonathan Dailey (Kristian) Great Grandchildren: Maggie Wright (Brandon); Grayson, Gabriel, and Wesley Pierce; Mae Gallaher; Emerson Fox and Iris Murr The family would also like to acknowledge the roles of close friends and caregivers, Vickie Maslowski and Patty Rush.
The family will receive friends at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Kingston on Tuesday, March 4th from 4-6 PM with a service to follow. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 5th at Lawnville Cemetery at 3:00 PM with the Reverend Beth McCrary officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church (203 S. Kentucky St. Kingston, TN 37763) or Roane Imagination Library (P.O. Box 128 Kingston, TN 37763). Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Pickel Family.