Jane Ellen Stiles

Entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, Mrs. Jane Ellen Montgomery Stiles, wife of Philip Allen (Al) Stiles, Jr. Janie was born on August 18, 1946 in Syracuse, NY, the beloved daughter of Charles Woodard and Alma Isabelle Montgomery. As the daughter of a career Army officer, she spent her formative years as an Army Junior living around the country and world. She joined the United States Navy at age 18 and met the love of her life Allen, while on boot camp liberty. She would give up her career in the Navy to follow her husband, Allen, as a devoted Navy wife for 27 years. During that time she would present to the world a beautiful Son, Brian Colin, born in Newport, RI. She would manage a household that required a social secretary, an appointment manager, team mother, scout leader, teacher's aide, and several paying jobs. In addition, she would teach her son to shave and ride a bike while Al was at sea. Most notably, she would oversee 19 pack outs and pack ins as they moved from duty station to duty station during Al's 30 year career. In 1984, her impact on her family's life and her community was recognized when she was named the Guantanamo Bay Military Spouse of the Year, the first year that designation was bestowed. At the banquet held in her honor, she was the last to realize that the standing ovation was for her. In typically reserved style, she would decline to use one of the most coveted tokens of that award, head of the line privileges at the commissary and Navy Exchange! While the many volunteer activities with which she was involved with cannot be enumerated here, there is one that stands out as her favorite and brought her the most joy, the Hat Ladies of Charleston. It is that group of wonderful ladies that kept a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. It is in those endeavors that her influence on many constituencies she touched lives on today. Sadly, it was during the years in duty stations in Japan and Cuba that she would start to feel the onset of what would become many chronic and debilitating ailments. In her later years she battled those ailments, rallying time and time again to come back from the brink. On this night though, she could not raise her head and her sword to fight once more. Let it be said that she died bravely for Clan Montgomery. She was a loving bride, lover, best friend, confidant, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She leaves behind to celebrate her memory her adoring husband, Allen; Son, Brian (Crystal); her brother, Charles Woodard Montgomery, Jr., (Verna Lee); her sisters Ann Mosley and Sally Brustowicz (Ted), numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Her Grandchildren, Philip Brian, Theresa, Brian Colin, Jr,; Jesse Dalton; and Trey Austin. She was predeceased by her parents and her grandson, Christopher Brian. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Allen Stiles, Jr. are invited to attend her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Jane's guestbook may be signed at www.JamesAMcalister.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 4530 Park Rd., Suite 230, Charlotte, NC 28299, the Lupus Foundation of America, P.O. Box 418629, Boston, MA 02241 or St. Mary's Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 89 Hasell St., Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365.