Surrounded by family and friends, Rebecca Jane Rucker Gunter, age 94, passed away in Birmingham Aug. 26 following a brief illness.

Jane was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Nashville, Tenn., to Grace Hunter Rucker and John Wiley Rucker. She lived most of her life in Russellville and moved to Birmingham in 2009 to be closer to family.

She was an honors graduate of both Russellville High School and The University of Alabama. Throughout her 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, her colleagues and students recognized and celebrated her gentle spirit, love for children and passion for literacy.

For almost 70 years Jane was an active member of Russellville First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and held numerous leadership positions. Following her move to Birmingham she joined Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, where she continued to be as active as possible.

Loved ones remember Jane as a devoted daughter, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. She treasured her relationships and considered herself fortunate to have so many loving people in her life.

Jane was preceded in death by her son, James William Gunter Jr. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Carl Johnson, of Birmingham; daughter-in-law Sue Dishuck Gunter of Alexandria, Va.; grandchildren Sarah Jane Johnson of Birmingham, Carl White Gunter of Alexandria, Va., and Paul Wood Gunter of Philadelphia, Pa.; and cousins Edwin Sheffield Gleaves and wife Janey of Nashville, Tenn., and Robert Milner Gleaves and wife Cathie of Charlotte, N.C.

Visitation is scheduled for Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Founders Room at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. in the church nave. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213; Russellville First United Methodist Church, 311 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 35653; or a charity of your choice.