Obituary of Iva Jane Southard

Iva Jane Southard–the dear matriarch of eight children, twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren—passed away, Thursday, December 7, 2018, at the age of 90. Like so many, Alzheimer’s slowly stole her away. But she passed comfortably and with great grace and peace. “Jane” (as most knew her), didn’t just make her mark by rearing eight children. When that “career” finished, she became a very successful real estate broker, known to many in Brevard County, Florida. Jane was born in Galveston, TX to Robert and Frances Warriner, but moved with her mother and older sister to Miami, FL when just a few years old. At nineteen, she married James H. Southard, who was obtaining his degree in education on the post-WWII GI Bill. Together, they raised the family there on “Jim’s” teaching salary and a variety of part-time jobs. Jane knew Florida botany as well as anyone. And her tinkering in the yard, sewing and occasional tennis kept her active. In 1979, they moved to Melbourne, FL, where Jane’s real estate work flourished. She will always be remembered for her talkative, energetic spirit, ready laugh and deep love for her family. She is pre-deceased by husband of 53 years, Jim, her brother, Gerald Warriner, her sister Eugenie Warriner Brennan and her daughter, Jeannie Lee Southard Scott. She is survived by her children, Tina, Jill, Judy, Janey, Maynard, Jim and Suzette. A gathering and service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.