In Memory

Jane Swann (Nethercut) - Class Of 1968

Jane Swann (Nethercut)

 

Jane Nethercut

 

 
 
 

Jane Swann Nethercut Jane Swann Nethercut, 63, of Austin, passed away, early Friday morning. She was born to the late Harry and Emily Swann, in Atlanta, GA on New Year's Day, 1950. She married Dr. William Robert Nethercut on 7/27/1977. From 1970 to 1976, Jane was a Latin and Journalism instructor at Campbell High School in College Park, GA, where, in her first year of teaching, she earned the first of many professional accolades when she was chosen Outstanding Latin Teacher for the state of Georgia. In 1976 she and Bill moved to Austin, when Bill accepted a teaching position in Classics at the University of Texas at Austin. From 1976 to 1978 she taught Latin and English at Gonzales High School in Gonzales, TX. From 1978 to 1987 Jane taught Latin and Journalism at O. Henry Middle School in Austin, TX, where she founded Austin's first Latin program at the middle school level. In 1987 Jane moved to Lanier High School to teach Latin and English. While at Lanier she was a co-writer of the school's successful application for the Blue Ribbon award and sponsor for the PAL program. She co-founded the International Day Without Violence in 1995, helping to bring in civil rights leader Rev. Joseph Lowery and social activist Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas Gandhi. A Lanier parent said that "for the black community in the Lanier area, Jane was an angel of God." In her time at Lanier, Jane was named Teacher of the Year for 1997-1998, AISD Teacher of the Year for 1998-1999 and Regional Teacher of the Year for 1998-1999. In 1999 Jane transitioned from teaching to administration when she accepted a position as Instructional Specialist at Lanier. During that time, while continuing to co-coordinate the International Day Without Violence, she was also a finalist for the Delta Kappa Gamma Outstanding Women in Education award for 2001-2002. Jane eventually left Lanier to accept a position as PAL coordinator for the district. She then became Positive Behavior Support Coordinator at AISD's central office, where she was also coordinator for the PAL program. Finally, until last Fall, Jane was the Child Study System Coordinator in AISD's Office of Learning Support Services. As a testament to her service, a number of community-based service organizations sought Jane out as their liaison in AISD. Jane was proud of her work in this capacity with the Legacy of Giving, which cultivates the value of philanthropy younger students, and the Austin Area Heritage Council, whose mission is to promote understanding and respect among all people as part of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Jane was a vibrant member of First Baptist Church of Austin, where she was Chair of the Board of Deacons in 2002. In the words of Dr. Roger Paynter, minister of FBC, Jane was an "agent of justice." Her passion in life was to help those who were hurting, a passion that was manifest in her vocation, her work through the church, her loyalty to her friends, and her love for her family. Jane is survived by two siblings: Mrs. Harriet Fields and Mr. Ray Swann; three children: Mrs. Mandy Wertz and her husband Mr. Christopher Wertz, Mr. Robert Nethercut and his wife Mrs. Desirie Nethercut, and Dr. Jason Nethercut and his wife Dr. Sarah Scullin; and five grandchildren: Kane and Rylee Wertz, Robert and Roger Nethercut, and Isaac Nethercut. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jane's name to the Volma Overton Middle School and Oak Springs Elementary School. Donations may be sent to: First Baptist Church of Austin 901 Trinity St. Austin, TX 78749 (For more information, contact Mary Anna at 512-476-2625) The family will be receiving visitors on Monday, from 6 to 8 pm, at the home of Mrs. Gloria McCullough, 8601 Copano, Austin. A memorial service will be held for Jane on Tuesday, at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Austin.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on March 17, 2013