Lois “Jane” Layton, 97, b. October 7, 1927 (St. Louis, MO) d. March 17, 2025 (Manchester, MO).

Preceded in death by husband, Charles K. Layton; son, Brad S. Layton; parents, George P. Seymour and Ethel E. (nee Bland); sister, Alma E. Nickel; brother, George “Buddy” Seymour; and her daughter-in-law, Susan M. Layton.

Survived by daughter, Michele “Mickey” L. Staron (Will); son, Craig K. Layton (Susan); grand-daughters: Bridget L. Gehm (John), Amy E. Layton, Julie A. Layton, and Alexandra E. Staron; great-grandchildren: Reagan G. Gehm and Charleston Layton; and nieces and nephew Toni L. Beck (Bill), Tami Rapisadaro, David Bockman (Jane), Jill Hoyle (Jay), and Janet Davis.

Jane was born and raised in Old North St. Louis at 14th and Clinton. Jane and her sister, Tootsie, spent many evenings at the “show,” absorbed in the movies of the day. She excelled at Webster School and graduated from Central H.S. in 1944 at 16. Her first job was as a secretary at AT&T. After Charlie returned from serving in the Marines in the South Pacific, Jane and Charlie were married on October 6,1946 (his original proposal to her was at 9 years old). In 1948, Mickey entered their lives, followed by Craig in 1949, and Brad in 1956. Love and fun filled the home with much laughter and music (Jane, playing her beloved piano). The death of Brad, in an auto accident in 1977, devastated her. She never truly recovered from that loss.

Over the years she spent much time cheering on first her children and then her grandchildren at football games, wrestling meets, gymnastics meets, dance recitals, soccer games, and swimming meets. Finally, cheering on her great-granddaughter at her equestrian competitions. North St. Louis Turner Hall was an integral part of family life with gym and dance classes and summer’s spent picnicking and swimming at Turner Camp. Musicals in the ballroom and fish and chicken fry’s took up much of her free time. Many life-long friends were part of the Turner family. Moolah Shriners’ parades, circuses, and dances were also an important part of Charlie’s and her social life. They were proud to support the Shriners Hospitals, where Craig went as a child. North County United Methodist Church served as a place of worship, solace and friendship for both Jane and Charlie.

When Jane retired as a secretary from Washington University School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry, she was able to spend more time volunteering at the Zoo, in her beloved Forest Park, and creating memories with her beloved family. She volunteered for 30+ years at the zoo and hated it when she could no longer be a part of the zoo family.

In retirement, she was able to ease her travel lust with trips around the U.S. and to Europe. At her villa, she held court on her front porch with friends gathering daily to solve the problems of the world and the homeowners’ association. She was beloved by all neighbors and family friends. Jane had a heart of gold, could fix anything with her sewing machine, and was known as “Gram” by all who loved her because simply, Jane was everyone’s “Gram.”

She loved sitting in her chair with the back door open, listening to the fountain, watching football games and Murder She Wrote, while eating Orville Redenbacher popcorn and drinking her Pepsi. Jane was able to stay in her home thanks to the Herculean efforts of her granddaughter, Bridget Gehm and her family. Thanks also to Solace Hospice for providing exceptional care for her in her final months. 

Although her knitting needles are no longer clicking, she will always be cherished and never forgotten by those who have loved her for so long. Jane will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri alongside her husband, son and parents. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.