Jane Krienke

Jane Thornton Krienke was born in Dothan, Alabama on July 5, 1935 to the late Rufe Newell Thornton and the late Geraldine Woodham Thornton.

Jane grew up in Dothan. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1953. After graduating High School, she pursued a short career working for the FBI in Washington DC. After a few years with the FBI she moved back to Dothan. She met an Army Helicopter Pilot on a blind date who turned out to be the love of her life. After six months of courtship, she married Albert Krienke on April 6, 1957 and was married for 64 years until Albert's death in 2021.

Jane cherished her life as an Army Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was given several wonderful and unique work opportunities during her life. She worked at the Panama Canal Water Works where she saw the USS Alabama travel through the locks on its way to Mobile, AL. She was President of Trinity Lutheran Kindergarten and a buyer for TRW Globe Motors.

Jane loved traveling with her husband Albert and upon retirement, they purchased an RV and traveled to many states in the US and Canada. Their travels introduced them to many friends from the US and a cherished lifelong friendship from Australia. They also enjoyed traveling in RV pairs with Harry and Sue New and Virginia and Ray James.

Jane and Albert were longtime members of First Presbyterian Church since 1980, where the congregation held a special place in their hearts. They also cherished their time at Trinity Lutheran Church, where they found fellowship and lasting friendship.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents and two half-sisters: Newell Thornton Baker and Carolyn Thornton.

She is survived by a son, Allen (Karen) Krienke of Attalla, AL: daughters, Dawn (Stan) Kemp of Dothan and Jerri (Jeff) Byers of Helena, AL: grandchildren Jeremy (Samantha) Krienke of Chelsea, AL; Alyssa Krienke of Opelika, AL, Andrew Byers of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Caleb Byers of Huntsville, AL; and Ella Byers of Helena, AL: great-grandsons Warren, Grayson, and Peyton Krienke of Chelsea, AL.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Terrace at Grove Park and the staff of Westside Terrace, Wisteria Way, who took wonderful care of Mother, especially the love they lavished upon her.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Rob Oates and Pastor Jay Joye officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9:30am until 11am. She will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery.