Jane Durrance Billings

Jane Durrance Billings, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born in Fort Meade, Florida, on November 4, 1946, Jane was the daughter of Walter Ralph Durrance and Margaret Lewis Durrance. Her early years in Fort Meade were filled with joy and the warmth of small-town life. She cherished her childhood memories, especially the close bond she shared with her two older brothers, Bill and Ralph, and with her sister Dawn, who was both a best friend and a sister. Jane treasured these relationships and maintained lifelong friendships with many from her hometown.

On June 26, 1971, Jane married the love of her life, Thomas Lowell Billings. Together, they built a beautiful life in Lakeland, Florida, where they raised their family and found deep fulfillment in their community. Jane was a quiet yet powerful leader, serving faithfully in organizations such as The Colonial Dames of America, The United Methodist Women, and as president of Zeta Tau Alpha during her college years at Florida Southern College. She earned her master’s degree in education from the University of South Florida and quickly developed a passion for teaching mathematics before becoming a homemaker. Though she never sought the spotlight, Jane led with grace, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Her greatest joy and most enduring legacy were her family. As the matriarch, Jane provided a model of unwavering faith, steady guidance, endless support, and unconditional love. Her home was a place of warmth, wisdom, and welcome—a reflection of the life she lived and the love she gave. In her later years, becoming a grandmother profoundly enriched her life. She embraced the role wholeheartedly, pouring herself into her grandchildren’s lives with boundless love, joy, and devotion.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Lowell Billings, and her beloved son, Thomas William Billings. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Billings Krause Trohn (Jon); her grandsons, William Thomas Krause and Kenneth (Trey) Edward Krause III; and her granddaughter, Sara Katherine Krause.

A visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will take place at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GiveWell Community Foundation of Lakeland or to First United Methodist Church of Lakeland in Jane’s memory.