Jane E. Noble

JANE E. NOBLE
Martha Janeann Noble, 80, of Owensboro, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at her home. She was born November 6, 1941 in Whitesburg, KY to the late William and Minerva Morgan Edmiston. She was preceded in death by her husband who was the love of her life, James Rondel Simmons in 1999, son, Joseph David Noble II on January 27, 2018, three brothers, and two sisters.

Jane dedicated much of her life to serving the Owensboro community she loved. She broke many barriers for women, made strides for racial equality, and was a mentor for young aspiring business and community leaders. On some issues, she was quite outspoken and committed even when it made her unpopular. In 1979, she started Livingston Travel, naming her business in part from inspiration she took from Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull". This was a story about pursuing a passionate and peaceful life. Jane actually worked up until the last month of her life. She almost spent 50 years in the travel business.

Jane was honored to be the first female in many roles she held including as chair of the Owensboro-Daviess County Tourist Commission and the Owensboro Kiwanis Club. She served on the board of the Riverpark Center and the Homebuilder's Association among others. In 2004, she received the Girls Incorporated Athena Award and others awards for her service. She was an active member of Christ Community Church for many years. One of her great loves, other than her family, were her wonderful groups of friends. Whether it was her UK basketball watching crew, her Great Harvest "girls", grape stomping buddies, or a bunch of guys meeting for fish or barbecue, Jane was always ready with a big yes to having fun and staying active.

Surviving are her daughter, Debynie N. Sowder and husband Keith of Lexington; five grandchildren, Brittany McCarthy and husband Mike of Louisville, Kelsey Leslie and husband Greg of Lexington, David Mitchell Noble and wife Olivia of Haymarket, Virginia, Kirby Lewis and husband Kevin of Williamsburg, and James Harrison Sowder of Louisville; eight great grandchildren, Nolan, Joey, Kenny, Rowan, Cal, Morgan, Emery, and Danny; a brother, Jack Edmiston and wife Lois of Lexington; and a special friend who was like a sister to her, Pam Smith-Wright and husband Gene of Owensboro.

Funeral services for Jane will be Noon Saturday, June 11, at Christ Community Church. Burial will follow in Pleasant Point Cemetery at Pleasant Ridge. Visitation will be from 10 AM until Noon Saturday at Christ Community Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Girls Incorporated of Owensboro, P. O. Box 1626, Owensboro, KY 42302. Memories and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.