Jane Carol Pepper Kees went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2021, after a brief illness at the age of 82. Jane was born on March 26^th, 1939, in Pearl River County, MS, to Herman Pepper and Mamie Jane Ray Pepper. She graduated from Millsaps College with a degree in biology and was awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation to conduct research at University Medical Center. She married Gerald Enochs Kees in 1963 and moved to Brookhaven to teach biology at Brookhaven High School. After teaching for a few years, she focused on raising her family and actively volunteered with the Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Junior Auxiliary, Brookhaven Youth Soccer League and First United Methodist Church. She resumed teaching biology at Alexander Junior High School and Brookhaven High School from 1982 through 2000, influencing many students to pursue science. She was named STAR teacher in 1999. After retiring from teaching, Jane volunteered with various ministries of First United Methodist Church and the Lincoln County Master Gardeners.

Jane loved her family, gardening, book club and the First United Methodist Church community. She helped identify many snakes and plants for friends and students and was known for her honesty, bright mind and loyal friendship. Her grandchildren will remember that Jane encouraged each of them in their specific pursuits, with great interest, time, resources and participation. She was a thoughtful and generous gift-giver and an enthusiastic holiday meal planner and cook. Jane was also beloved by many Navy Seabees, who loved her warm meals and generous, fiery spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Gerry Kees; her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Todd Clary; her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Lara Kees; and five grandchildren, August, Alex, and Emma Clary, and John and Mary Elizabeth Kees.

A memorial service will take place at First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven on Saturday, October 2 at 11:00 a.m., preceded by visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.