SAVANNAH - Jane Grooms Keith, 75, died Sunday November 15, 2009 with her loved ones around her. Jane, formerly of Elizabethtown and Evergreen NC, had only recently moved to Savannah GA to be with her family as she courageously battled cancer. Ever present, even at the end, her beautiful, easy smile will be missed. Jane was born on March 16, 1934 in Evergreen NC. The baby of ten, she was raised with modest means, but with an abundance of love and strong Christian values. This simple beginning forged in her empathy for others in need that would forever shape her life. Jane graduated valedictorian from Evergreen High School in 1952 and from the North Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Nursing (Wake Forest University) in 1955. Her senior year at Baptist Hospital, she married the love of her life, William Carter Keith, Sr. with whom she had three children. Jane's tender, giving heart made her much loved as a nurse. After she retired from nursing to raise her children and to help her husband in his dental practice, she was often asked to care for terminal patients in and around the Elizabethtown community. This she never refused. Later in her life, that same nurturing spirit helped make her one of the most successful realtors in Bladen County. Even with a busy career, she was proud to serve on the board of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Whiteville, NC. It will continue her legacy of care for her beloved community. Jane led a faithful Christian life with ease that was never forced. She served tirelessly on many church committees, held various offices and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. Recently, she found happiness in the constant barrage of cards and letters from church members and friends; that attested to how deeply she affected all. Jane was preceded in death by her parents: John Mandeville Grooms and Emma Rose Lawson, 7 of her siblings, her husband and her dear daughter, Alicia Jane Keith Canady. However, these saddest of moments gave her calm and peace at her death, as she knew they were waiting for her. She is survived by 2 siblings; her son William Carter Keith, Jr. and her daughter Lori Keith Robinson and husband Paul Elias Robinson; her daughter-in-law Rebecca Talley Keith and son-in-law Ronnie Forrest Canady; 7 grandchildren - Rob, Aaren, Paige, Carter, Larkin, Andrew and Bailey; her best friend of 70 years Aliece Johnson; her dear friend Ed Talley; and the most loyal of companions, her dog Anni. Services will be on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church in Elizabethtown NC. Visitation 1:00pm - 3:00pm with the funeral following at 3:00pm. Internment at the Old Trinity Cemetery. Jane wanted to thank Drs. Bala and Duttenhaver and their teams along with Hospice Savannah. Because of the exceptional care she received this year, in lieu of flowers she hoped that donations be made to any of the following: The Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, 5353 Reynolds Street, Savannah GA 31405, Curtis & Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 23089, Savannah, GA 31403, Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416-0190. Kinlaw Funeral Home Elizabethtown, NC 28337 910-862-3914. Savannah Morning News (SMN), Sunday, November 22, 2009.