Jane Whitt's Obituary
We are sad to announce that on November 2, 2023, we had to say goodbye to Jane Whitt of Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Ms. Jane" (as she was affectionately known) was loved and cherished by both family and friends from many generations. She never knew a stranger and remembered all who crossed her path. Every child she taught she considered “her children.”
Born as Jane Musgrove in Tulsa, Oklahoma to her parents Bill and Reba Musgrove. She grew up in Tulsa nurturing her love of education and dance from an early age. She went to Eliot Elementary, Edison, and the University of Tulsa. She was on a synchronized swim team in high school and was a TU cheerleader and Chi Omega in college.
If you grew up in Tulsa beginning in the late 1960s until now, chances are you or someone you know learned lessons at Jane Whitt's knee. For more than 50 years, Ms. Jane taught and mentored children of all ages in swim classes and her dance studio, Regina Ann Smith Dance Studio. She spread her knowledge and skills to new generations of children and teachers through being an administrator and teacher with the FCC Child Development Center, Inc. (DBA: Growing Kidz). She also had a Marriage and Family Counseling private practice for years. If you were fortunate enough to have Ms. Jane as your mentor or teacher, you were incredibly lucky indeed.
Ms. Jane had a magical approach to teaching, as she challenged her students to go outside of what they knew and with what they were comfortable. She encouraged students to push their boundaries and open their hearts and minds to other possibilities. Ms. Jane was always right beside her students holding their hands as they explored their limits and boundaries, pushing them to expand their abilities, find their passions, and strengthen their tenacity to forge their own path in life.
Jane was highly active in her church life as a member of Southside Christian Church from childhood until its closing and then as a member of Harvard Avenue Christian Church. She served on committees, was an elder most of her adult life, and loved being a chaperone on ski trips.
She spent her final years at Saint Simeon’s Senior Community. She helped staff in the pool and the wellness center and remained active in their church services.
To lose someone like Ms. Jane leaves a significant void in our community. Someone who was exacting of her students, who had the courage of her convictions (no matter if they went against the grain), the strength to be an advocate for children everywhere, and the ability to be a mentor and guide to is a void that will never be filled. We can aspire to take on Ms. Jane's attributes and create a legacy for this strong and caring woman who can never be replaced. If you take just a small bit into your heart and live it, you will have done Ms. Jane proud, and you can guarantee there is serious tap dancing going on in heaven right now.
Ms. Jane (Musgrove) Whitt leaves to celebrate her life: daughter, Dr. Janelle Whitt (Shelta Sneed); brother, John Musgrove (Jane) and nieces, Sarah Musgrove and Katie Musgrove (Miles Ketchum) and four great-nephews; brother Gene Musgrove and nephew Johnny Musgrove. She was preceded in death by her parents I.W. “Bill” Musgrove and Reba Musgrove.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to FCC Child Development Center, Inc. (DBA: Growing Kidz) or Saint Simeon’s Foundation.
Celebration of Life for Jane Whitt will be Saturday, January 13 at 11 am at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa OK
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