Jane Elizabeth (Cottrell) Deer slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God on September 21, 2023. She was a wonderful and cherished Mother, Sister, Grandmother and friend to many.
She is survived by her son, Timothy Deer, M.D., and his wife Melissa of Charleston, WV; grandchildren, Morgan Deer, Taylor Deer Vines (Alex Vines), Reed Deer and Bailie Deer, and her loving brother, Jim Cottrell, and brother-in-law, Joseph Lovett of New York City. She leaves behind many wonderful friends.
She was a member of the Chesapeake First Baptist Church, where for many years she served as lead pianist. Her music was a highlight to many and she enthusiastically played “Amazing Grace,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Blessed Assurance.”
Jane was born in Winifrede, WV, and moved to Chesapeake, WV, as a child. She was raised by her mother, Geraldine Cottrell, and father, Guy Cottrell.
In 1959, she married Raymond Brady Deer and had her only child, Timothy. Later in life, she became a single mother and showed amazing resilience when, at the age of 38, she obtained a driver’s license and went to LPN school, where she finished at the top of her class. For many years, she served as a unit clerk at the Pediatric ICU at CAMC. She retired from that job due to health issues at the age of 60 and spent the next decade babysitting her four grandchildren, who she loved dearly.
She was very proud of her son, brother and grandchildren and often took great joy in talking about their achievements. She loved Jesus Christ and often said “I am not afraid of dying, I know where I am going.” She also loved the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball and football teams and watched the games regularly, enjoying the singing of “Country Roads” when they found victory. Jane loved all people and was very kind and humble. Although she was unable to walk the last several years of her life, she found joy in small things and was always positive. She once told her son she knew she would have a new body in Heaven and walk again with her Savior. We pray she is on those streets now and in a much better place.
The family would like to express thanks to the physicians, nurses, and all the staff at CAMC General for providing compassionate and excellent medical care during her illnesses, to Dr. Justin Bailey for years of care and to those who cared for her during the last years of her life, both at home and in rehabilitation. Despite the good work, Jane walked the path to eternity we all must someday travel. She will be greatly missed and thought of daily.
Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, with Pastor Matt Santen officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Montgomery Memorial Park, London, WV.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon at the funeral home.
Condolences may be set to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.