OBITUARY: Mary Jane Powers (Woolridge)

It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Mary Jane “Janie” (Woolridge) Powers, who went to meet Jesus on December 22, 2024 at the age of 79, in Ashland City, Tennessee. Mary Jane, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, left an indelible mark on the lives she touched through her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love.

Born on November 14, 1945, in Lake City, Iowa, the third daughter of Clarence and Mary Ethel (Schenck) Woolridge. She grew up with foster parents, Dr. Woodrow and Inabelle Morris of Iowa City, Iowa, where he strongly supported her love of music and exceptional talent for violin. She was a 1963 graduate of City High School and attended the University of Iowa, both in Iowa City.

Janie married David Allison and they had two sons, Gregory and Geoffrey Allison. She married Ross Chavolla and they had three children, Amy (Jarrett) Nicholson, Marcel Chavolla and David (Anna) Chavolla. She married David Powers and gained step-children, Curtis (Mechelle) Powers, Michael (Janice) Powers, Rick Powers, and Linda (Craig) Remick. Janie and Dave were married 32 years until his passing in Dec. 2014.

Janie performed with the San Francisco and Phoenix Philharmonic Orchestras. She often played in the churches she attended and for her family. Later, Janie worked at AO Smith in Ashland City, TN, and recently retired from United Structural Systems (USS) in Pleasant View, TN.

Janie and Dave donated over 200 loom knitted hats to Nashville Rescue Mission. They learned how to loom knit when he was battling cancer. Janie was always knitting, crocheting or loom knitting items for family and friends. Janie was an avid watcher of Wheel of Fortune. She was a member of Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, Ashland City, TN. Janie loved her work family, her church family and close friends who kept her inspired to be herself. Most of all, Janie loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary Jane is survived by her children and stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Bonnie (Woolridge) Bristol in Tempe, Arizona, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and her two dogs Millie and Chloe. Janie was predeceased by her parents, husband, eldest sister Carol (Woolridge) Chittenden of Anchorage, Alaska, brothers-in-law Bob Bristol and John Chittenden, and stepdaughter Cheryl Johnson.

Janie’s friends and loved ones will remember her huge smile, bubbly personality and her willingness to help others. Her warmth and laughter brought joy to every gathering, and her unwavering support was a source of strength for many.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Mary Jane’s life at a funeral service to be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in the Chapel of Cheatham County Funeral Home with Pastor Shaun Sutton officiating. Burial will follow in EverRest of Cheatham, LLC, in Pleasant View, TN. Visitation will be Monday, December 30, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm and Tuesday before the service from 10am until service hour of 12noon. Serving as pallbearers will be Geoffrey Allison, Curtis Powers, Joshua Powers, Kimberly Miller, Damien Powers, and Chris Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janie’s name may be made to Faith Community Church of the Nazarene or to the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Mary Jane’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.