Jane was born March 9, 1949, to Dero and Pauline Hamill Kinard in Winston County. She was a 1961 graduate of Louisville High School. After high school, she received both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Education from Mississippi State University. Jane’s career as a teacher and principal spanned 51 years and touched numerous families. The first two years of her teaching career were spent in Marietta, Georgia. On June 3, 1966, Jane married the love of her life, James Marshall Rives, and they moved to West Point. She was one of four founding members of Oak Hill Academy. During that time, she impacted thousands of students, whom she affectionately referred to as “my babies” regardless of their age, along with their families for 49 years. To honor her commitment to Oak Hill Academy, the elementary school building was named the Jane Rives Elementary School.
Jane was an icon in community events in West Point. She made several appearances riding a golf cart in full costume in the West Point Boo Parade held downtown each year for elementary students on Halloween morning. She and her Bunko girls also rode in the annual Christmas Parade. In honor of the anniversary of her 48th year of being an educator, Jane was invited by the local chamber to serve as the Grand Marshal of the West Point Christmas parade. She gladly accepted the invitation and lead the parade sitting atop a convertible and decked out in her freshly “fixed” hair and holiday best! In her retired years, Jane picked up a new hobby and realized she had a love for theater and being on stage! As a member of the West Point/Clay County Arts Council, Jane, along with her Golden Girls, made her stage debut in Cinderella in 2014. She was bit by the acting bug and later made special appearances in the stage productions of State Fair, The Wizard of Oz, and Hee Haw.
Jane was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of West Point for 45 years. While her son Brian was young, she spent many hours hosting youth events, chaperoning youth trips, and serving on committees. In recent years, she joined the Monday Morning Flower Ministry that delivers fresh flowers weekly to shut-ins and those in the community who have needs. Jane worked every summer in the kitchen serving snacks during Vacation Bible School. She made a point to teach the young boys they should not wear their caps inside, and she spoiled the other volunteers by bringing pound cakes and peanut brittle for them to snack on, too. For many years, she served on the Bereavement Committee that volunteered to feed grieving families and was a key supporter and encourager of the Music Ministry of FBC. To honor her mother, Jane served on the Board of Directors of Dugan Nursing Home for a number of years to insure the well-being of the residents.
Always willing to lend a hand, Jane was most proud of being a member of the “team” at Petal Pushers in West Point. She was a regular “delivery girl” on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day and she became famous for the milkshakes she made and served every year at Christmas Open House.
Jane is survived by her son Brian Rives and wife Macy of Birmingham, Alabama. One of her greatest joys was being “MiMi” to her two grandchildren: Brayden and Addyson Rives. Jane enjoyed following them in any activities in which they were involved. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; and by her parents. Jane also leaves behind loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; and by her parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Lawrence Brantley, Drew Bounds, Paul Brand, Allan Clarke, Josh Massey, and Randy Rives. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Flake, Eddie Harsh, Kyle Jackson, Willie Johnson, Miles Knight, Andy Miller, Jimmy Miller, Matt Miller, Brad Nester, Brian Portera, Ricky Rives, Rusty Rives, Matt Roberts, and Doug Shaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital online at stjude.org to celebrate Jane's love of children and to honor her battle with cancer.
Jane was an icon in community events in West Point. She made several appearances riding a golf cart in full costume in the West Point Boo Parade held downtown each year for elementary students on Halloween morning. She and her Bunko girls also rode in the annual Christmas Parade. In honor of the anniversary of her 48th year of being an educator, Jane was invited by the local chamber to serve as the Grand Marshal of the West Point Christmas parade. She gladly accepted the invitation and lead the parade sitting atop a convertible and decked out in her freshly “fixed” hair and holiday best! In her retired years, Jane picked up a new hobby and realized she had a love for theater and being on stage! As a member of the West Point/Clay County Arts Council, Jane, along with her Golden Girls, made her stage debut in Cinderella in 2014. She was bit by the acting bug and later made special appearances in the stage productions of State Fair, The Wizard of Oz, and Hee Haw.
Jane was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of West Point for 45 years. While her son Brian was young, she spent many hours hosting youth events, chaperoning youth trips, and serving on committees. In recent years, she joined the Monday Morning Flower Ministry that delivers fresh flowers weekly to shut-ins and those in the community who have needs. Jane worked every summer in the kitchen serving snacks during Vacation Bible School. She made a point to teach the young boys they should not wear their caps inside, and she spoiled the other volunteers by bringing pound cakes and peanut brittle for them to snack on, too. For many years, she served on the Bereavement Committee that volunteered to feed grieving families and was a key supporter and encourager of the Music Ministry of FBC. To honor her mother, Jane served on the Board of Directors of Dugan Nursing Home for a number of years to insure the well-being of the residents.
Always willing to lend a hand, Jane was most proud of being a member of the “team” at Petal Pushers in West Point. She was a regular “delivery girl” on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day and she became famous for the milkshakes she made and served every year at Christmas Open House.
Jane is survived by her son Brian Rives and wife Macy of Birmingham, Alabama. One of her greatest joys was being “MiMi” to her two grandchildren: Brayden and Addyson Rives. Jane enjoyed following them in any activities in which they were involved. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; and by her parents. Jane also leaves behind loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; and by her parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Lawrence Brantley, Drew Bounds, Paul Brand, Allan Clarke, Josh Massey, and Randy Rives. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Flake, Eddie Harsh, Kyle Jackson, Willie Johnson, Miles Knight, Andy Miller, Jimmy Miller, Matt Miller, Brad Nester, Brian Portera, Ricky Rives, Rusty Rives, Matt Roberts, and Doug Shaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital online at stjude.org to celebrate Jane's love of children and to honor her battle with cancer.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
