Jane Scott Ward died peacefully in her home in Laurel on May 12, 2024. Born in 1929 to J. Conn Scott and Helen Baker Scott of Selbyville, she was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Glenn Ward, and her brother William Conn Scott. She was also predeceased by her sons-in-law, Terry Whaley and Alan Smith. She is survived by her son, Herschel “Buzz” Quillen III of Wilmington; her daughters, Cindy Whaley and Nancy Smith of Laurel; her stepchildren, Benn Ward (Kathy) of Midlothian, Va., and Barbara Crane (Randy) of Ridgeley, West Virginia; and her grandchildren, Tracy Whaley Kennedy (Matthew), Scott Smith (Lindsey), Matthew Whaley (Eva), Andrew Quillen and Francesca Quillen, and Barbara Jean Ward (Matthew), and Jeffrey Ward. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she has seven great-grandchildren and recently welcomed a great-great grandson.
Jane grew up in Selbyville and Bethany Beach. In her high school years, she studied at Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Pa., and from there attended the University of Delaware. Throughout her life, Jane worked in her family’s furniture business, J. Conn Scott Furniture of Selbyville, which was founded by her father, J. Conn Scott, and this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Her family was the joy of her life and Jane was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved spending her summers with family and friends at her home in Fenwick Island. An avid bridge player, she enjoyed playing with her friends up until a few months ago. She was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel, as well as a supporter of the Laurel Historical Society and a friend and board member of the Laurel Public Library. Jane was also a longtime member of the Fenwick Island Yacht Club and a former member of the Fenwick Island Women’s Club.
The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the Vitas Healthcare staff, Sue Messick, and Barbara Carter for the loving care that Jane received throughout her end-of-life journey. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, 10-11 a.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11. Pastor Dean Perdue and Mrs. Carol Riggin will officiate. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956, the Laurel Historical Society, P.O. Box 102, Laurel, Delaware 19956 or the Laurel Public Library, 101 E. 4th Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.