On February 12, 1939 in Durham, North Carolina, a premature baby girl named Betty Jane Crosby was born to Charles Murphy and Jalia Ann Ligon Crosby. She was the seventh child of a blended family that eventually contained 11 children. At a birth weight of only four pounds, her future appeared pessimistic. Determined to defy the odds, her parents set out to nurture Jane to health and overcome the bleak outlook.
When she was a toddler, the family moved to Charleston, South Carolina as her father was employed to build the Cooper River Bridge. Upon completion of that project, the family relocated to Catawba, South Carolina where they became members of the community and settled permanently.
Mrs. Weaver was graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1957. In December of that same year, she married Franklin Eugene Weaver. They were married until his death in 2011, a total of 53 years. In addition to being life partners, they owned and operated Frank’s Appliance Sales and Service on East White Street for over 30 years. While Frank was a certified service technician of Whirlpool and General Electric major appliances, Jane developed a commanding knowledge of appliances as well as an impressive sales acumen. For many years, they were one of the most successful appliance sales dealerships in the nation and consequently, enjoyed traveling on trips sponsored by Whirlpool along with other top selling dealerships/owners.
When Mr. Weaver’s health declined in 2003, they closed their business and Jane became his primary caregiver. She continuously remained by his side and at his aid until his passing on September 10, 2011. As a widow, she enjoyed outings with family and friends (including the “Cracker Barrel Girls”), continued as an active member of El Bethel United Methodist Church, read countless books, and as she was able, tended her flowers. Feeding and watching the birds in her backyard was another cherished pastime. She had a great affinity for nature and marveled at all the beauty God created. Most especially, she was delighted by butterflies.
Though she had various health challenges throughout her life, she persevered and often described herself as “one tough old bird.” She was a 23-year breast cancer survivor. In recent years, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She was diagnosed with heart disease in the early 1990’s. Since that time, she has undergone numerous heart catheterizations/procedures and suffered several heart attacks. In March, she had another heart attack and unfortunately, there were no options for recovery. She was discharged from the hospital and returned to her home under care provided by Hospice and Community Care.
During the following seven weeks, she thoroughly enjoyed many visits from friends and family. She often remarked that she felt better than she had in years and frequently told visitors that she was in no pain at all. She honestly considered herself to be blessed to enjoy so much fellowship and fun during those days; the pinnacle of which was her daughter’s wedding on May 11.
At her home early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024, with loved ones holding her hands, Mrs. Weaver transitioned to her Heavenly Home. Comparable to the butterflies she so keenly admired, she has been transformed. Though she will be missed tremendously, there is comfort in knowing she will no longer struggle through ongoing health issues.
Mrs. Weaver was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Franklin E. Weaver, five brothers: Charles Crosby, Baxter Crosby, William “Billy” Crosby, Curtis Crosby, and Robert Crosby, three sisters: Kathryn Cowhig, Margaret Durham, and Shirley Stevens, and son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” Hance.
Mrs. Weaver is survived by her three children, Linda Weaver-Griggs (David), Julie Hance (Scott Hendrix) all of Rock Hill, SC, and Franklin E. Weaver (Angela) of Victoria, TX, and three grandchildren Ashley Weaver Burack (Todd) of Birmingham, AL, Rebekah Jane Griggs of New York, NY, and Dalton Weaver (Amber) of Portland, TX. Additional survivors include two brothers, Nelson “Ned” Crosby (Patsy) of Catawba, SC, and Jerry Crosby (Mike Hix) of Fort Mill, SC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her family sincerely appreciates the many relatives, friends, and neighbors who visited her, called her, brought food/flowers/books, and sent her cards/notes. She cherished every single expression of love and friendship. Additionally, the family is grateful for all the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and Sam’s Club Pharmacy staff who assisted Jane in managing various health issues for decades and in living to be 85 years old. The staff from Senior Helpers and Hospice and Community Care provided outstanding care/assistance to Jane and her family throughout her last weeks. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the following dedicated friends and family who provided extraordinary care and comfort: Nellie, Jerry, Mike, Beth, Diane, Della, and Christine.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to El Bethel United Methodist Church, PO Box 543, Fort Lawn, SC 29714 or Hospice and Community Care/Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 (www.hospicecommunitycare.org).
A service to celebrate Mrs. Weaver’s life will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. at Greene Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 and will be livestreamed at www.greenefuneralhome.net. Immediately following the service, weather permitting, there will be a butterfly release. Afterwards, the family will receive friends in a designated reception room. Respectfully, the family requests those who attend the service wear bright/colorful clothing.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.greenefuneralhome.net