In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash
Georgia Loses Deputy Sheriff
Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Georgia authorities were saddened to announce a local deputy’s loss. Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash, age 61, passed away due to the complications of coronavirus. She had spent the last two years serving with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. Recently, Jane had been working during an outbreak at the Effingham County Jail.
Deputy Ash had been receiving treatment at the Memorial Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Raised on a farm in Savannah, Georgia, Ash graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the Ogeechee Technical College. Over her lifetime, she worked in animal hospitals and owned a local Nursery in Oliver for many years.
On June 12, 2018, a woman’s spark decided to embark on her new career as a deputy sheriff. That was the day she began serving with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. She is known to have served with distinction. When not working, she spent her time on the farm with her many animals. “Her genuineness led to her being revered and well thought of by her peers and those incarcerated.”
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash launched a third career in her senior years to work and serve her community through her job with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. Despite her late start in law enforcement, Ash served Effingham County’s people as a fully-sworn deputy sheriff.
The sheriff’s office is located in the county seat of Springfield. Effingham County is a part of the Savannah metropolitan area. In the last several years, Effingham County has been experiencing a great deal of growth. The Sheriff’s Office and deputies protect nearly 65,000 residents and patrol about 483 square miles.
COVID Creates Heartbreak
COVID19 has been creating heartbreak everywhere it touches. Families are losing loved ones, friends, role-models, and neighbors. Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash was an essential leader in her family as she showed them how to brave each day and continue to give back to others. Deputy Ash leaves behind her son, two grandchildren, sister, and several nieces and nephews. The community who loved Deputy Ash’s genuine nature will come together to celebrate her memory.
A coworker, Regina, posted her sorrow on social media. “I remember when I first started in the jail, she would always encourage me and push me to do better. Whenever I was having a bad day, she always knew how to make a person smile and laugh. I will always remember you and what you did for not only me but for everyone. You will always be in mine and everyone’s heart. We love you, dearly.”
Longtime friend Christy Jackson left her condolences to the family online. “I grew up with Jane. What a kind, sweet soul. You could always count on her for a kind word and a big smile. She was always glad to see you and had the best sense of humor! Rest in peace, sweet friend! Thoughts and prayers to her family.”
Dessa Overstreet remembered Ash’s lifetime of kindness. “I met Jane sometime back in the 1980s when I was a kid, and she was 4H. Jane was kind and knew how to relate to me. She somehow knew my circumstances and would actually come to pick me up from where I lived so I could participate in 4H activities! Jane took me away from my circumstances and let me just be a kid for a few hours. I’ll never forget that kindness.”
