Jane Pendry

Entered into rest on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at her home in Jamestown, North Carolina, Jane McMillian Pendry, loving wife of James Pendry for 60 years, passed peacefully at the age of 80.

Born June 30, 1946, in Surry County, North Carolina, Jane was the daughter of Samuel Montague McMillian and Esther Mae Young McMillian. From an early age she carried a spirit of determination, generosity, and service to others – qualities which shaped every part of her life.

Jane devoted her professional life to education teaching in Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina. She served for over 20 years at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), eventually becoming the Department Chair of Office Systems Technology. She also worked as the College Liaison for Guilford County Schools with GTCC’s Early and Middle College Programs, and directed a statewide curriculum improvement project for North Carolina’s community college system in the field of office technology. Jane’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment made a lasting impact across generations of GTCC students and faculty.

Her academic achievements reflected her passion for learning, having earned a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.Ed. in Administration/Business Education, both from Louisiana State University, and an A.A.S. in Information Systems Technology from GTCC. Those who knew Jane in the classroom will remember the patience, demand for excellence, and encouragement she offered to everyone she taught.

Jane was a faithful member of Jamestown United Methodist Church (JUMC) for nearly 40 years. Her church was a central part of her life, where she served, worshipped, and celebrated the love of Christ her Savior. Jane was active in the Bob Rooks Memorial Sunday School Class and the Chancel Choir along with numerous committees and boards. She especially cherished the fellowship and shared faith of the women from her Circle of Hope and her Bible study.

Throughout her life, Jane was a dedicated volunteer, including with Hospice of the Piedmont, the JUMC Outreach Thrift Center, and the JUMC Agape Cafe to which she readily gave of her time and energy wherever she saw a need.

Jane treasured the close-knit bonds she shared with her friends and neighbors from across Jamestown, and especially her Forestdale East neighborhood. This community was truly an extended family to her which was built through decades of shared meals, celebrations, and mutual support in difficult seasons of life. Jane loved them dearly, and that love was reciprocated in abundance.

She is survived by her husband, James, of the home; her daughter, Jamie Adams (R. Nathan); her brother, Samuel McMillian (Ana) of Florida; her dear sister-in-law Martha Abbott (Danny); and her beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Anna Beth, Abigail, and Matthew Adams.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals and staff of the Hayworth Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in High Point for the years of skilled, compassionate care provided to Jane. They also wish to thank Hospice of the Piedmont for their tender support in Jane’s final days, offering comfort to her and her family.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Jamestown United Methodist Church with Dr. C.M. Worthy officiating.

The family will receive friends afterward in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial will occur at Oakdale Cemetery in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.

Jane’s legacy and example of love and service will be remembered as gifts she shared with her students, her church, her community, her neighbors, and especially her family.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.