Elnora Jane Wilkerson Guthrie (Jane), 86, of Waco, Texas, died Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Providence Village (St. Catherine’s) from complications related to pulmonary disease. She was in hospice care for two weeks prior to her death, and died peacefully in her sleep.
The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2024, at DaySpring Baptist Church, 7900 Renewal Way. Pastor Eric Howell will officiate. The burial will follow immediately after the service at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 South Interstate 35, Robinson, Texas. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Boulevard.
Born July 11, 1937, in Hill County, Texas, Jane grew up in Axtell, before moving to Waco at age 15. She graduated from University High School in 1955 and became a dental assistant. Jane married the love of her life, Earle Vincent Guthrie, in 1957. Earle’s service in the Air Force carried their family from Texas to Alabama, Hawaii, Virginia, and finally back to Texas, where Jane attended San Antonio College. She served as a board member of the Officers’ Wives Club. Jane was an avid fan and long-time season ticket holder for the Baylor Bears football and Lady Bears basketball teams.
Jane’s top priority was being a good mother and housewife. She was an expert seamstress, making clothes for her family, even making her daughter’s wedding dress. Throughout her life and travels, she was passionate about leading a life in the church, singing in many church choirs, sponsoring church group activities, and serving as a church elder and greeter.
In 2020, Jane was preceded in death by Earle Vincent Guthrie of Waco, her devoted husband of 63 years; she is also preceded in death by her parents, Homer Ennis Wilkerson and Jewel Jerushia Daily Wilkerson; her brother-in-law, Dalton M. Estein; sister-in-law, Bernice Watts and husband, Luther; her brother-in-law, Raymond Guthrie and wife, Margaret; brother-in-law, Donnie Rowe and his wife, Deloris; her brother-in-law, James Guthrie and wife, Dorothy; brother-in-law, M.B. Daughtry and wife, Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Jake Daughtry and wife, Sarah; brother-in-law, Bill Daughtry; brother-in-law, John Daughtry and wife, Fran; sister-in-law, Fran Smith and husband, Delbert; and brother-in-law, J.E. Whitlow.
She leaves her son, Stan Guthrie and his wife Rhonda; son, Darren Guthrie and wife, Carol; her daughter, Landra Vaughn and husband, Jerry; Jane is also survived by grandchildren, Maile, Malia, Andrew, Baylor, Darryl, Desiréé, Joe, Rebecca; and her fourteen great-grandchildren. Jane also leaves her sister, Faye Estein; sister-in-law, Geraldine Whitlow, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Providence (St. Catherine’s) for the compassionate care they provided Jane in the final months and weeks of her life. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice. The family invites everyone to join them at the visitation, funeral, and burial.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Jane’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
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