Frances Glenn
Frances Jane Britton Glenn of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on sunny Sunday, May 6, 2018, surrounded by family, at the age of 87. Jane was born the eldest of two daughters to Edwin and Maria Britton in Macon, Mississippi. She graduated from Macon High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Mississippi State College for Women (now known as Mississippi University for Women). In 1950, Jane met Hayden Fox Glenn of Brooksville, Mississippi, at the local swimming pool, and they married Aug. 23, 1953, after his return from serving in the Korean War. They first lived in Starkville, Mississippi, before moving to Marietta, Georgia; Melbourne, Florida; and finally Huntsville, Alabama, where they and their three boys settled on Monte Sano Mountain in 1964.
Over the next 54 years, Jane embedded herself in the foundation of many area organizations and charities. Alongside raising her sons and her Huntsville-born daughter, she served as a second mother (and later, second grandmother) to many “mountain kids” up on Monte Sano. A devoted member of Monte Sano United Methodist Church, she served in nearly every capacity imaginable and was particularly active with the Missions Committee and the United Methodist Women. She was active in the International Toastmistress Club for many years and was an active member of the Monte Sano Garden Club. She volunteered with the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary for 32 years, actively volunteered and donated to First Stop and 305 8th Street, and coordinated Santa for Seniors at her church for several years. In 2015, she received a Light on the Mountain award in recognition for her years of selfless volunteer work in service of the community.
When she wasn’t driving from one charity drop-off to the next, Jane had a great many hobbies she enjoyed. Jane and Hayden were very active with the Muscle Shoals Sailing Club for many, many years. They loved to travel; and aside from visiting the vast majority of the 50 states, including Alaska, they spent 11 summers as volunteer Campground Hosts for the Forest Service in Montana, first at Howard Lake and then at Pete Creek. And of course, anywhere Jane volunteered her time, she also volunteered her incredible talents as a cook. She was always ready with a carton of pimento cheese for any occasion, and her breakfast casserole has been served as far as the cafeteria at the University of Montana in Missoula. Whether it be for five or 5,000, Jane would make sure everyone was satisfied and still somehow manage 12 Cool Whip containers of leftovers to take home.
Jane’s love and dedication to the needs of others came from her love and dedication to her Lord, Jesus Christ; and to know her was to know the love of Christ radiating forth in her every action. She delighted in feeding people, in caring for children, in God’s glorious creation, and especially in her family. She was a true Southern lady, and she will be dearly missed.
Jane joins her parents and her sister Georgia Taylor of Macon, Mississippi, at the heavenly banquet that Christ has prepared for us. She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Hayden, of Huntsville; her sons, Edwin Fox “Ed” (Ralene) of Helena; William Hayden “Bill” (Julie) of Asheville, North Carolina; Thomas Britton “Tommy” (Barbara) of Huntsville; daughter Alice Jane Glenn Kirsch (Stephen) of Huntsville; nephew Bobby Taylor of Crawford, Mississippi; great-nephew Robbie Taylor (Kristy) of Crawford, Mississippi; great-niece Bebe Taylor Willcutt of Houston, Texas; grandsons Britt Glenn of Tenino, Washington; Will Glenn of Craig, Alaska; Travis Glenn of Missoula; granddaughters Stacy Broadway (Greg) of Ardmore, Tennessee; Amanda Glenn-Bradley (John) of Asheville, North Carolina; Johanna Wilson (Matthew) of Huntsville; Molly Kirsch of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Elizabeth Kirsch of Huntsville; and two great-granddaughters, Antonia Jane and Martha Louise Wilson of Huntsville.
Visitation was Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 10 a.m. to noon at Monte Sano United Methodist Church. The funeral followed at noon with Rev. John Mullaney officiating. Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.
Donations may be made to First Stop (www.firststop.org), 206 Stokes St. NW, Huntsville, AL, 35805; 305 8th Street (www.3058thstreet.org), 305 8th St., Huntsville, AL, 35805; or Missions Committee of Monte Sano United Methodist Church (www.msumc.net); 601 Monte Sano Blvd. SE, Huntsville, AL, 35801.