Emma Jane Montgomery Broyles
Emma Jane Montgomery Broyles passed in her home in East Ridge, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Jane was born on Dec. 29, 1940, the first child of William Daniel Montgomery and Frances Louise Elizer in the famed Shackle Island community of Sumner County, Tn.; their marriage united two of the most influential families in the area. Jane and her younger sister Mary were raised in the Taylor-Montgomery House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and they worshipped at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which is also so registered. Jane learned how to work, cook, and sew on the family farm and was hailed as “the best left-hand tobacco setter” in Shackle Island. Jane showed exceptional talent in many of the 4-H Club disciplines and won competitions in dress-making and baking.
Jane graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1958, where she was secretary of the senior class, and progressed to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she graduated in three years, finishing in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles and Clothing. Jane had a close-knit community of friends at UT that she maintained throughout her life. In October 1961 she married Homer David Broyles, with whom she had worked in Sophie’s cafeteria at UT, and moved to Chattanooga.
Jane started her career managing a cafeteria for Chattanooga City Schools, but throughout her life she worked as a seamstress designing and making clothes for clients around Chattanooga. Jane was a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children, serving as homeroom mother, volunteer, and team mom for her childrens’ extended escapades (and also later for her grandchildren). She was also active throughout her life at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in East Ridge until recently when she moved her membership back to Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church. When her children were teenagers, she returned to the workforce in the ophthalmology practice of Dr. Molly Seal for many more decades. Jane had a talent for making anyone, new patient or returning, old friend or newcomer, neighbor or visitor, feel welcomed and comfortable. Jane made her family’s home the place where everyone congregated and where all her children's friends would meet. Jane and David traveled all across the United States with their large contingent of friends, with special trips to Destin, Florida; New England; the Grand Canyon; and the west coast, as well as to the homes of her children and grandchildren. However, trips back home to Sumner County were always her favorites because of her large extended family there. Jane was a huge fan of the Tennessee Volunteers and the Atlanta Braves.
Jane was blessed with wonderful grandchildren, and she excelled at all the grandmotherly talents: holding, reading, bouncing, feeding, and above all, loving. Even with her grandchildren scattered around the southeast, Jane was always happy to make the effort to make memories with them whenever she could.
Jane was predeceased by her parents, William Montgomery and Frances Elizer, and her brother-in-law, James Murrah.
She is survived by David Broyles, her husband of more than 63 years; her children, Brad Broyles (Kathy) and Amy Broyles (Jamie Parkey); her four grandchildren, Aidyn, Avery, David, and Beatrice; her sister, Mary Montgomery Murrah; her bonus granddaughter Amira and great-grandchildren Godric and Archer; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. She is also remembered by her very treasured closest friends, Susie Henley, Mildred Prince, Beverly and Barry Ligon, Judy Fox, and Dr. Molly Seal.
Jane Montgomery Broyles will be remembered in a visitation and celebration of life with family on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 12-2 at Chattanooga Funeral Home (Moore Road in East Ridge).
A private interment in Hamilton Memorial Gardens will follow for the family. The family thanks Hospice of Chattanooga for their guidance and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or to the charity of your choice.