Mrs. Jane Weeks Gardiner

Jane Weeks Gardiner, age 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on August 28, 2015 at the family home. Jane won her valiant battle against brain cancer by living life after her diagnosis to the fullest, showing us all the way to live, full of love, joy, happiness, perseverance and  determination. She will be missed by all that knew her.

Born to the late Mayon (M.J.) and Dorothy Weeks, Jane was raised in Fayetteville, attending public schools, graduating from Terry Sanford High School in 1972. It was during her formative years that Jane’s extraordinary musical talent became apparent. Jane developed her exceptional musician ability with the piano being her instrument. She participated  in and won  multiple  local and regional piano competitions. She attended Salem College, graduating in 1976, with a degree in piano performance. After college Jane was accepted at the prestigious New England Conservatory, earning her Masters of Music degree in piano performance.

After graduate school Jane returned to Fayetteville where she was hired to direct the Community Music Program at Methodist College . This opportunity led to a full time position as an Associate Professor of Music, thus beginning her long career at Methodist University. While an Associate Professor, Jane received a Summer Fellowship at Harvard University studying the history of African American music.    After a number of years Jane was appointed the Head of the Music Department, a position that was the beginning of her transition into college administration. Jane was next appointed as the Chairman of the Fine Arts Division for a number of years. Throughout her time at Methodist, Jane continued her tradition of donating countless hours as a soloist and accompanist to budding performers in our community.

While Jane’s talent as a performer was widely known and appreciated, it was her skill as an administrator that led to her most recent accomplishment as the: Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. She accepted each new challenge with amazing grace and skill, directing multiple new and existing programs at the University. She created the Office of Student Success, First Year Experience and the Student Advising programs. Jane always appreciated the hard work of her staff and without fail gave credit to others.

Jane was an active and lifelong member of Hay Street United Methodist Church participating in the Music Ministry for over 25 years. Additionally, she participated in multiple stage productions at Methodist and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. She was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Fayetteville Symphony, as well as the Friends of Music at Methodist University.
Jane was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of North Carolina for her lifelong work in the community.

Jane is survived by her husband Keith Gardiner and children Carr and Sarah, her sister Julie Rufenacht husband Brady and their children Megan Coffman, Leah and Laci, brother Mayon Weeks, wife Mackie their children  Justin, Jason, Josh and Jeffrey.

A Celebration of Life and Resurrection will be held at Hay Street Methodist Church on Tuesday September 1, 2015.  Visitation will be in the church Fellowship Hall from 10:00am – 12:00 p.m., with the service directly following in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:  Friends of Music at Methodist University or Hay Street Methodist Church Music Ministry.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sullivanshighland.com.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service and Crematory, of Fayetteville, NC.