Dr. Jane Irene Eubanks Baldridge

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Dr. Jane Irene Eubanks Baldridge, 80.

Born on August 10, 1945, to James and Irene (Oldham) Eubanks, Jane was busy helping on the farm with her 3 sisters, Yvonne, Ann and Janis. Family life revolved around hard work and church. The best times were spent with all her cousins that were her first friends. Her parents encouraged all four daughters to pursue education beyond high school. Jane chose a career in education. She completed a Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale in 1967.

She taught for 44 years in pre-school, elementary grades and in collegiate settings. In 1967, Jane moved with life-long friend Martha Hiller (Gianakas) to teach 5th grade in Clarendon Hills, IL for two years.

After marrying David Baldridge in 1969, they moved to Nuremberg, Germany for David to serve in the US Army. They returned with four month old daughter Sarah Jan in 1970. Jane then received Montessori training in St. Louis, MO.

In 1978, she welcomed daughter Grace while in the midst of her comprehensive exams at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Jane finished her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education in 1981. Her main support was found through the faith community of First United Methodist Church in Dekalb where she met so many that became life-long friends.

With a move to Wisconsin Jane became the administrator of Milwaukee Montessori School (MMS) from 1983 to 1992. Under Jane’s leadership, and with the collaboration of staff and teachers, an infant and toddler program was added to the kindergarten through 8th grade curriculum. In 1994 Jane became a professor and subsequently the Chair of the Department of Education at Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI until her retirement in 2011. For 17 years, she trained and placed student teachers all over the state of Wisconsin. Jane’s passion extended to working with other educators to advise the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on curriculum. Through this period the family attended the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay. Jane met faithfully with her prayer partners, Lee and Ginny every week. A special mention must be made for the “Second Saturday” small group that has stayed together for over 40 years.

In retirement, Jane may have been busier than ever. She moved to Augusta, GA to care for her grandchildren. Jane also traveled extensively with her sister Yvonne Grussing. In 2016, Jane and daughter Grace made a pilgrimage to Palestine and Israel to visit the sacred sites of the world’s religions.

Jane participated in many ministries of St. John United Methodist Church in Augusta, GA: Missions Chair, Sunday School teacher, Clothes Closet volunteer and United Women in Faith treasurer.

Jane loved cooking and hosting at her home. Her heart for hospitality was evident to all she met.

Family members include her daughters: Sarah Thomas (Kelly) and Grace Baldridge. Grandchildren: Evelyn and Robert Thomas. Sisters: Ann (Larry) Austin and Janis (Del) Beasley. Nephew: Steve (Coletta) Grussing. Nieces: Sandy Speakman, Laurie Brooks, Melissa Jo (Keith) Aldred, Amy (Jason) Davis, Christi (Scott) Schmitz, Amanda Beasley. And many great nieces and nephews: Jason, Heather, Ryan, Allison, Lauren, Austin, Bethannie, Jalyn, Luke, Corbin & Christian. Former spouse: David Baldridge

She is preceded in death by James and Irene Eubanks, sister Yvonne and brother-in-law Frank Grussing, nephew Bruce Grussing and many Oldham and Eubanks relatives.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church with Rev. Jenny Anderson officiating.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene Street Augusta, GA 30901.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Vickery Funeral Chapel, 274 W Marshall Ave, Shawneetown, IL 62984. The graveside service will follow at 11:15 a.m. at Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, IL.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com