Jane Gibson Muller, age 97, passed away peacefully at the Buffalo Crossings Healthcare facility on August 24, 2020. A resident of The Villages and formerly of Tampa, she was a native Floridian, born in Manatee County. She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde & Bessie Gibson, husband Frank Muller, Sr., sisters Etta Lanier and Dr. Eulah McWilliams and brothers Carl McWilliams and James L. McWilliams.
She is survived by her daughter Louise (Dennis) Morgan of Huntersville, NC., step-daughter Janice (Bruce) Bartle of Carlisle, PA., and step-son Frank (Mary) Muller, Jr. of El Paso, TX. Granddaughters, Leah Scadden, Noelle Salyer, Patricia Bartle and Deborah Hardick as well as grandsons David Muller and Aaron Tibbs. Her nephews Ron McWilliams, Bruce McWilliams and Robert Lanier. Nieces Mary Jane Templemire and Patricia Mohler. Also survived by 5 great-granddaughters, 4 great-grandsons, 1 great-great granddaughter and 1 great-great grandson. Five great-nieces, 8 great-nephews, 5 great-great nieces, 10 great-great nephews, 4 great-great-great nieces and 2 great-great-great nephews.
Jane graduated from Tarpon Springs High School in 1941 and the University of Tampa in 1951 with a degree in education. She was the director of Recreation and Director of the Women’s Sports Department for the city of Tampa before entering her teaching profession. She ran the Sligh Avenue playground during part of her career. She taught schools in Hillsborough County for 35-years most of those years were at Memorial Jr. High School in Tampa.
Upon her retirement, she enjoyed motor homing around the U.S. and Canada with her husband, Frank, meeting new friends along the way, and volunteered at Lowry Park Zoo and the Tampa Performing Arts Center. She drove seniors to doctors’ appointments and the grocery store, sometimes she just spent time to sit and visit with shut in seniors. Jane received the Hillsborough County RSVP “Volunteer of the Year” award for 1996. An award she cherished.
A graveside service will be held at the Orange Grove Cemetery in Tampa at a later date due to the COVID pandemic. The family suggest donations to the Compassionate Care Hospice or the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.
The family would like to thank the staff at Buffalo Crossings ALF where Jane resided for the last 4 years and the staff at Buffalo Crossings LTC who took care of her in her last days. Special thanks to Compassionate Care nurses, Anna and Tony, Social Worker Barbara and Pastor Terry who were a comfort not only to Jane but to the family as well.
