Jane Ann (Welker) Claytor, 72, of Springfield, Illinois died on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.  Jane was born on September 27, 1951, in Olney, IL, the daughter of Roy and Frances (Ulrich) Welker, She married Jim Claytor on February 28, 1971, in Olney.

Jane was a 1969 graduate of East Richland High School and earned her master's degree from Western Illinois University. She spent many years as a teacher with the Ball-Chatham School District. She was an active volunteer at West Side Christian Church where she served in the choir, participated in the women's studies, and the reading mentor program. She loved cooking and hosting people, container gardening, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. She will forever be remembered for the way she made each person feel special, her positivity, silliness, life-giving words, her joy of being together with family and friends, and her love for Jesus. Jane embodied his love and joy and she had the most encouraging, faithful, and hospitable spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Claytor of Springfield; one son, Jonathan (wife, Jennifer) Claytor of Springfield; two grandchildren, Elise and Nolan; three siblings, Nancy (husband, Steve) Theivagt of Springfield, David (wife, Laura) Welker of Texas, and Gary (wife, Carol) Welker of IN; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Jane’s life will be held on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, at West Side Christian Church at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will be held before the service from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Land Cremation Society, Springfield, IL