Jane Culbreth Lomax

Jane Culbreth Lomax, 63, a beloved wife and mother, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Forsyth Medical Center.

She was born on December 6, 1960, the daughter of the late Walter Clifton Culbreth and Norma Simmons Culbreth in Cumberland County, NC. Jane studied at UNC Wilmington and UNC Pembroke, graduating in 1983 with a BS in Special Education. She received her Master of School Administration from UNC Pembroke in 2012. Jane began her career in Education in 1983 as an exceptional children’s teacher in Hoke County, NC, and later in Bladen County, NC. Her inspiration for this career path was born from the love of her first cousin, Craig Simmons. Craig was a happy and loving Down Syndrome child. Jane completed part of her student teaching in Craig’s classroom just before his passing at the age of 13. After 22 years in the classroom as an EC teacher, she spent five years as an EC Compliance Specialist, followed by six years as Director of Exceptional Children’s Programs for Bladen County Schools. Jane retired after 33 years of service in Bladen County Public Schools. Upon retiring from NC Public Schools, she continued serving EC students in NC charter schools and the SC public school system. Jane was a dedicated advocate for EC students throughout her career. She was respected by her peers as well as the students’ parents. Special Education was her passion from the time she was a child playing with her cousin, and it will live on as her legacy.

Jane was a loving mother to her two sons, Matthew and Andrew. She actively encouraged and supported them in all their endeavors. She was involved in every aspect of their lives, from volunteering as a Cub Scout leader to traveling around the state to cheer them on at science fairs and baseball games. Jane loved animals, great and small, and loved her many “fur babies,” most recently Jake, Pepper, and Onyx. She had a penchant for crafting and decorating. She enjoyed spending her free time making beautiful wreaths, crocheting cozy blankets, and arranging vibrant flower centerpieces. Her favorite time of the year was when it was finally time to bring out the Christmas tree and her many Santa figurines. Her talents brought joy to those around her and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Later in life, Jane developed a love for the mountains of NC. After 35 years in Bladen County, NC, she and her husband Allan moved to West Jefferson, NC. She loved her time there. Mornings spent in bed watching the birds in the trees, afternoons in the kitchen cooking delicious meals with the Blue Ridge peeking through the windows, evenings spent on the front porch watching the colors of the sunset behind Three Top Mountain, with fireflies all around.

Jane is survived by her husband of 38 years, Allan E. Lomax; two sons, Matthew Lomax (Tilson); Andrew Lomax; brothers, Scott Culbreth (Sherrie); David Culbreth; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

The service will be private. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends in the spring on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donation be sent to North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance at https://www.ncdsalliance.org.

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