Dr. Jane McMurtry

Dr. Jane McMurtry died at home on Saturday, August 28, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kyle J. McMurtry and Dorothy McMurtry of Keystone Heights, FL; her brother Kyle E. McMurtry of Ocala, FL; and her brother Jimmy McMurtry of Keystone Heights, FL.

She is survived by her niece, Jennifer Fender (James), and three great nieces, Jordan, Ashleigh, and Kori, of Keystone Heights, Florida. She is also survived by a nephew, Kyle McMurtry Jr., his two children, Peyton and Emma, and Emma’s son, Jackson of Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Jane graduated from Keystone Heights High School in 1966. During the next several years she completed the following college degrees: B.S. English Education 1969, Troy State University; M.Ed. Counselor Education, 1971, Auburn University; Ed. D. Counselor Education, 1977 Auburn University.

During 1971-1985, Jane worked as a counselor at many different schools, colleges and facilities, including her time at Northview High School. She also worked as an assistant professor at the University of Montevallo and Troy State University (Dothan). In 1979, Jane received her professional counselor license in the state of Alabama. She then opened “People” Counseling Services. From 1985-2001, Jane was Director of Counseling at Wallace Community College, where she chaired and developed the state counseling model for all 2-year schools in the Alabama college system.

Dr. McMurtry was much sought out as a public speaker and teacher. Using humor, jokes, music, and activities, she was an entertainer at heart. “Doc” retired in 2001 to enjoy more traveling and to work on her bucket list. One bucket list item was to write a book. She completed this! Mookie’s World, written by Mookie McMurtry, with a little help from her human friend, Jane! In the book, Mookie is a young yorkie puppy struggling with learning about life and love. At the time of her death, Jane was working on a sequel, but didn’t complete it in time.

In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made in Jane’s name to the Troy University Foundation, 301 Adams Administrative Building, Troy, Alabama 36082.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604