Obituaries

Jane McGraw Wilson

Photo of Jane McGraw Wilson
Jane McGraw Wilson of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away on Oct. 6, 2017. Jane was born in Fort Smith, Ark., on Sept. 28, 1935 to George and Beulah McGraw Sr., and lived out her entire life in the city that she loved. After graduating from Fort Smith High School in 1953, she attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she earned her degree in Education. Jane's first career was that of school teacher where she taught physical education at Darby and Chaffin for many years. After her teaching career, she became involved in rental property management. Jane had such a unique set of skills and drive; she excelled in her second career, same as her first. Jane was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority during her U of A years, where she developed and nurtured lifelong friendships with so many. She held many volunteer roles throughout her life in support of the Tri-Delta missions and objectives, including serving on the House Corporation Board for over 30 years. She was so proud that both her daughter and later her granddaughter, also became Tri-Deltas. Jane was involved in community organizations throughout her adult life, including directorship roles with Girls, Inc., the Junior League, and many others. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church, where her father was an Elder, and more recently attended the Fort Smith First United Methodist church and The Discussion Sunday school class, which became so very dear to her. Jane stayed connected with her friends, she loved to make new friends, organize parties, garage sales, or just about anything involving getting people together. The Razorback watch parties that Jane put on were always a thrill whether the game was or not. Jane could always be counted on to attend her friends events and was always the last to leave. Jane was an avid bridge player, and looked forward to bridge day almost as much as hair day. Really, it was every day that Jane looked forward to, and she remained busy and active to the end. Jane was a rock for her family. She planned vacations for her family with every spare moment of her time, and annual trips to Branson Mo., for her ever expanding family which will be cherished forever. Jane will be missed by so many. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church with the interment at Oak Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Jane is survived by her daughter Diana Davidson Engeler (Rodney) of Conway, her son James Garland "Jay" Davidson III (Jan) of Fayetteville, and four grandchildren Eric Engeler (fiancé Sarah Beth Edwards), Alex Engeler, Matthew Davidson (Suzannah) and Ashley Davidson, a nephew Rick McGraw and a niece Marcie McGraw Fallik. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother George McGraw Jr., first husband James Garland Davidson Jr., second husband Neil Wilson, and grandson Jacob Alan Engeler. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, along with Rodney Engeler and Jay Jones. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Girls, Inc.'s, P.O. Box 1253, Fort Smith, Ark. 72902, or a charity of your choice. To send an online tribute, go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

Published October 9, 2017

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