Jane Siler Morriss

Jane Siler Morriss, born Nov. 11, 1938, died Oct. 31, 2015.

Jane was born and lived her entire life in Martinsburg, the daughter of Howard and Esther Siler, who owned shoe stores in Martinsburg and Charles Town. Jane enjoyed helping her parents in the shoe stores while growing up.

She was educated in Martinsburg public schools, then graduated from Shepherd College.

She operated a private kindergarten in Martinsburg for many years, and when public kindergarten became available, transitioned her kindergarten into a preschool. Although she had no children of her own, she always felt she had many, and loved her students.

In the past 20 years, she worked in Hagerstown, Maryland, with developmentally challenged adults, and found that very satisfying as well.

She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, which was a source of strength, comfort and joy to her in her life.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Anne Siler, of Weems, Virginia; a niece, Elizabeth Siler of Holden, Massachusetts; a grandnephew, Carter Gowdy, also of Holden; a nephew, James Siler, of Torrance, California; a cousin, Nancy Vineski of Corona, California; and a godchild, Karen Schleuss of Martinsburg.

She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Esther Siler of Martinsburg; and her brother Russell Siler of Weems.

Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Martinsburg.