04/17/2026
Alma Jane Wickline
Alma Jane Wickline (Burwell), 93, of Daniels, West Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 16, 2026.
Alma, known to all who loved her as Jane or Alma Jane, lived a long and full life defined by resilience, determination, and enduring strength. During her life, she experienced both joy and sorrow along the way, yet carried herself with steady grace, perseverance, and an unwavering sense of purpose. She lived independently for many years, sustained by a sincere love for caring for others and her dignity, both of which shaped her life.
She was born on July 23, 1932, in Monroe County, West Virginia, to Jabe and Nora Burwell. Those who knew her best knew Jane as a woman of remarkable fortitude, leaving those who loved her continually in awe of her quiet strength. At just 10 years old, after the loss of her father, she, her mother, and her older sister, Ginny, ran a large family farm in Monroe County on their own—an early glimpse of the grit that would carry her throughout her life. Never afraid of hard work, her family often shared stories that reflected her enduring spirit, including her determination to dig a koi pond in her yard herself in her late 70s, a task she completed to her satisfaction.
Jane devoted her professional life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse, serving for 22 years at Hilltop, Care Haven, and Pinecrest Nursing Homes. It was later in life that she returned to school at the age of 47, another reflection of her determination and lifelong commitment to growth and service. Her work was more than a career—it was an extension of her compassionate and giving nature.
At home, Jane expressed her love in ways that will long be remembered. She was an exceptionally skilled quilter, creating intricate and beautiful works that told stories of patience, care, and tradition. She was also a gifted cook, known for meals that nourished both body and spirit, and for a home that welcomed family with warmth and familiarity. She was an avid gardener, a collector, a lover of dogs and pigs, and above all, most passionately a mother to her four children—a role she carried with deep devotion and pride. Through every season of life, she remained grounded in her faith and steady in her love for her family and close friends.
A woman of Baptist faith, Jane attended Shady Spring Baptist Church for many years. Her faith was a constant foundation, guiding her life and sustaining her through the years. Her favorite hymn was “One Day At a Time”, which draws upon Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”, encouraging us to focus on the present and trust that God will provide.
Jane was preceded in death by her youngest son, Joel Wickline; her parents; her sister, Virginia Hoke, and her husband Marvin Hoke; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Wickline; her ex-husband, Donald Wickline, with whom she shared four beautiful children; and a beloved friend, Fred Shumate.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Wickline (Mary Pat), of St. Augustine, Florida, and Jimmy Wickline, of Reidsville, North Carolina; and her daughter, Donna Smith (Mike), of Fayetteville, West Virginia. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Rebecca Iscaro (Pete) and Katherine Geyer (Ethan), both of Fayetteville, West Virginia; and her grandsons, Tyler Wickline of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Zach Wickline (Cortney) of Melbourne, Florida. She was renewed by the love and joy of her great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Gus Geyer, Frankie and Gia Iscaro, and Giulia Wickline. She also leaves behind many treasured extended family members, including sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and trusted friend, Patricia “Andy” Thompson. This special group of family will remember their Mom, Grandma, Maw-maw, and GiGi for her steady strength, her deep love for her family, and the quiet, enduring way she cared for others. Her life leaves a legacy of resilience, faith, and love that will continue through all who knew her.
We take comfort and find peace in knowing she is in God’s hands, reunited with loved ones, and finally able to rest.
A service to celebrate Jane’s life will be held at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley on Tuesday, April 21st. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:30 p.m., followed by a brief service officiated by Rev. Dewey Lowe, a friend of the family.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Greystone and Hospice of Southern West Virginia for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Jane in her final months. We would also like to thank the many family and friends who have shown so much love to her over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please extend an act of kindness to someone who needs it.
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