Greenville, SC: Award-Winning Artist and Military Wife Passes Away
Jane Chandler Whitmire, renowned artist and dedicated military spouse, peacefully passed away at the age of 98 on September 27, 2024, at The Woodlands at Furman in Greenville, SC. A beloved figure in her community, she leaves behind a legacy of creativity and devotion to family.
A Life of Accomplishments
Born on January 17, 1926, Ms. Whitmire was the daughter of Laverne Chandler Whitmer and Feland Oscar Whitmer in Seymour, Indiana. She pursued her education at Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Ms. Whitmire also earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City while studying Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA.
It was at Columbia University that she met her husband, Charles Goodwin Whitmire, an Army officer who was studying economics. Their love story began in a dormitory, where their mailbox slots conveniently sat next to each other. The couple married on July 4, 1948, in Seymour, Indiana.
A Journey Together
As an Army wife, Ms. Whitmire traveled extensively, moving with her husband as he served at various military posts both in the U.S. and overseas. She lived in notable places such as the Pentagon, Germany, London, and the US Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria. After her husband retired as a Colonel, they settled in Arlington, Virginia, where Ms. Whitmire remained until relocating to Greenville, SC, in 2016.
A Passion for Art
Jane Whitmire was not only a loving wife and mother but also a talented artist. She created works in diverse mediums, excelling particularly in oil painting and collage. Her needlework was masterful, and she showcased her talents in various galleries in the Washington, DC area, including the National Textile Museum.
Her works were sold through prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Folger Shakespeare Library. Over the years, Ms. Whitmire received numerous accolades at the Woodlawn Needlework Show held annually in Alexandria, Virginia, affirming her status as a master needlework artist.
Family and Legacy
Ms. Whitmire is survived by five children: James M. Whitmire (Shelly) and Jerry C. Whitmire, both from Alexandria, VA; Charles G. Whitmire, Jr. (Kathy) and Jane Pilzer (Don), both of Greenville, SC; and Anne Dembinski (Tom) from Newport, RI. She also cherished her roles as a grandmother to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 9 great-grandchildren.
The family expressed their gratitude towards the staff at The Woodlands at Furman for the exceptional care provided throughout Ms. Whitmire’s residency. They noted that she found joy there, continuing her artistic endeavors while appreciating the birds that visited her window.
A Final Resting Place
Ms. Whitmire’s beloved husband passed away in 2003, and she will be laid to rest beside him at Arlington National Cemetery on January 6, 2025. Family and friends can share their favorite memories and condolences by visiting the designated online memorial.
Jane Whitmire’s contributions to both her family and the arts reflect a life well-lived and a spirit that will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
