E. Jane Naylor

Ethel Jane Naylor, 93, died quietly at home on Thursday, June 3, secure in Christ’s promise of resurrection.

Jane was born February 2, 1928, the older of two daughters of Ernald and Ethel Naylor. Raised in Johnstown, and a loyal supporter of the city for her whole life, she graduated in 1944 from Johnstown High School. She received the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania) in 1948, and the Master of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie-Mellon University) in 1959. She also studied in Germany.

Jane was vocal music teacher for grades 1-12 in the Shanksville Schools (1948-54) and then for Westmont Upper Yoder Junior High School until retirement in 1982. Following this, she devoted her life to caring for her invalid father until his death in 1987.

Jane was a United Methodist Christian, and expressed her discipleship through church music at Franklin Street United Methodist Church, where she was a lifelong member, and as choir director at Barron Avenue EUB Church (1951-61) and Oakland United Methodist Church (1973-2000).

With her father, uncle, and cousin, Jane played French Horn in the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra for many years, and was a member of the orchestra’s board of directors. She also played with the Johnstown Reed Band.

Jane loved to travel and traveled widely, especially to her beloved England, birthplace of her father, where members of her family still live.

Jane faced many years of physical challenges with grit, courage, and a sense of humor. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers for their loving care, including Tina and John Pizzino, Sherry Sinisi, Maggie Holdsworth, Liz Petruska, Elaine Kearns, Leanna Kearns, Delajah Sitton, Danielle Rish, Beverly Kegley, and Sharon and David Thomas.

She is survived by a sister, Mary Lou Naylor Grove (William); nieces Susan Jane Grove-DeJarnett (Douglas) and Rebecca Grove Janczewski; four great- nieces and a great-nephew; a great-great-niece and great-great-nephew, and many cousins and dear friends. Karen Piro and Sharon Thomas, especially, were devoted through her final years.

Visitation will be Monday, June 7, from 6-8 PM, at Picking- Treece-Bennett Mortuary. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be Tuesday, June 8, at 11 AM, at Franklin Street United Methodist Church, The Reverend Randy Bain officiating.

Suggestions for memorial gifts:  Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Franklin Street United Methodist Church, Oakland United Methodist Church, World Wildlife Fund.  

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