Beauty, class, elegance, and grace describe much of what stood out about Jane Waller Pigford, but she was so much more. She was an extraordinary, loving, and devoted wife and mother. At the same time, she was devoted to her community and worked to make a difference. Jane, a proud and lifelong Denverite, was born May 18, 1938, to parents Wade and Florida Pitt Waller. She departed this earthly realm on October 27, 2024, at 86.

Jane's love for her family was unwavering. She was a devoted wife to Carl for 62 years, and her pride in their two children, Kaarin and Tony, knew no bounds. They were the light of her life and the center of her joy. She lived and breathed her strong values of faith, perseverance, excellence, and integrity daily. She instilled the importance of education in her children.

As Jane saw it, education leveled the playing field regarding many of society's inequities, so she passionately pursued education. She attended East High School, in her senior yearbook Jane was listed a PTA Model and a member of the SkiEast Club.  In 1960, Jane graduated from the University of Colorado--Boulder with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in 1981 with a Master of Arts in Communications with Emphasis on the Organizational Setting. She did not quit there; she returned to UNC in 1991, where she earned an Administrative Certification.

Firmly established as an educator, she proudly served as an elementary school teacher. She would often recall the successes of her young students and how it was such a joy to teach them and later Gifted and Talented students in Denver Public Schools.

As a lifelong learner, she continued to pursue educational excellence. In 1991, she earned an administrator's licensure certification from the UNC. Jane moved from the classroom to administrator, serving as principal in Denver Public School and Cherry Creek School system.

For Jane, teaching was a ministry—not only to help her close the gap in existing social inequities for herself but also to help others do the same. For that reason, following retirement in 2002, she returned to teaching as a mentor/teacher and professor at the Center for Urban Education. Jane's commitment to nurturing and inspiring a new generation of teachers continued to impact another generation of educators.

Jane and her family's education extended beyond the classroom. They traveled across the United States and abroad to learn about and appreciate other people, their cultures, and their perspectives.

She was an accomplished artist. Guests would enjoy seeing her talent as an interior designer and painter when you visited their home. As Interior Designer she designed a new club for Fatty Taylor in the late 70's.

Jane was born to parents who were no strangers to adversity. They modeled for her their faith in God, Education, hard work ethic, and perseverance, qualities that were key in her will to survive four different types of cancer. They were also key to her overcoming racism and prejudice professionally and personally. Her resilience and courage inspired everyone who knew her, including her children.

Because of Jane's parents' love and commitment to their children, other people's children, and the community, she continued the family legacy of giving back to the community. She became the family ambassador for all that her family stood for and for the school bearing her mother's name, Florida Pitt Waller K-8 School in Green Valley Ranch. Her mother was the first African American Librarian in Denver Public Schools.

Her mother and aunt Fannie Pitt, with six other women, founded Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Kappa Denver chapter), of which Jane was lifelong member. She also served the Denver Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Coterie.

She is survived by her daughter Kaarin Pigford, son Tony Pigford (Robin), and grandchildren Isaiah Silva and Wells Pigford. Her family includes sister Dianne Ward Jones, niece Tiffany Ward, great-niece Trinitee Reed, and great-nephews Jett Reed and Jekai Reed. Other family members left to cherish her memory include sister-in-law Julia Pigford, brother-in-law Robert Pigford, Sr. (Joyce), nephews Walter Pritchette (Lynn), Jean Pigford (Bianca), David Rice, Joel Pigford (Diana), Bruce Pigford (Twila), Robert Pigford Jr. (Stacee), Michael Pigford Genesis (Archzelle), along with nieces Adele Hunter, Pamela Pigford, Erin Pritchette, Terri West (Robin), Lisa Pigford Deriada, and Linda Rice. Jane also deeply loved her dogs, Xixian, Belle, and most recently, Lexi.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 1:00pm at St. Johns Cathedral, 1350 N. Washington St. Denver, CO 80203.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to the Florida Pitt Waller School Accelerator Program:

Florida Pitt Waller School Accelerator Program
c/o Westerra Credit Union
3700 E. Alameda Ave.
Denver, CO 80209

Memo: Account No. 9460" on the check.