Jane Elizabeth McMillan Baird
“This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalm 118:24
And rejoice, Jane Elizabeth McMillan Baird, did – inspiring others with her unwavering gratitude and blessing countless with a loving, giving and exuberant life - until her work on earth was done. On August 5, 2024, Jane entered the Celestial City, the reference for Heaven in her favorite book, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Born on July 9, 1930, in Chattanooga, TN, to her beloved parents, Charles and Elizabeth McMillan, Jane grew up in Acworth, Georgia. She adored her older brother, Charles, and remained the best of friends with her younger sister, Suzanne, to the end. She attended Maryville College where she met the love of her life, James McKenzie Baird. During their courtship Jane developed polio and was quarantined for 3 months. Upon release she found Jim waiting, eager to marry her and embark on their amazing life together.
As a cheerleader in high school and college, she tapped into that spirit of encouragement throughout her relationship with Jim: from his military and insurance professions to a career transition to the ministry. Jim entered seminary while they were still young parents, and Jane unwaveringly and confidently believed in God’s call for them. Affectionately known as “Ms. Jane,” she was a partner with Jim in their ministry, often acting as an advisor, a constructive critic and the ultimate confidante. The death of both parents as a young wife and mother only fueled Jane’s hospitality for those within her sphere: her door and heart were always open as she served. She cared for the sickly and specifically encouraged young mothers, juggling a pastor’s wife and schoolteacher responsibilities throughout the time her sons were still in the home.
Jim and Jane were the proud parents of Jim, Knox, David and John Mark; and one son lost at birth, Daniel. Together, they served in pastorates in Clinton, MS, Brewton, AL, Gadsden, AL, Macon, GA, Coral Gables, FL, and finally at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, where they spent their final years.
Jane was a lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity about people, history and lineage. She was an excellent conversationalist because she was interesting and interested. She was opinionated and generous, as excited to give as she was to receive. Jane had an incredible memory and delighted sharing in knowledge. She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, a long-time docent for the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, and a member of the Recess Club and her sewing group. Jane had quite the competitive streak, too. She picked up tennis at 40 years old and didn’t lay the racquet down until arthritis wrestled it from her 30 years later and acted as a lively bridge player up until the last few months.
She and Jim loved to travel the world, especially after retirement, and were purposeful in encouraging missionaries and pastors along the way. They visited six continents, and never left a country without sending a postcard to her loved ones back home.
She prioritized family, gathering often and became the glue as the family grew. McMillan Family Reunions were always a highlight. Later in life, as a widow, she developed an extensive texting ministry, starting with her immediate family and extending to many friends, as she daily sent Bible verses, hymns, and inspirational messages to dozens. She placed high value on handwritten notes and often used that as another vehicle for encouragement throughout her life.
She leaves her four sons, Jim Baird III (Susan), Knox Baird (Debra), David Baird (Pat) and Mark Baird (Rhonda); 11 adoring grandchildren Megan, Andrew (Anna), and Grayson Baird; Alexandria, Knox and Hannah Jane Baird; Grace and Mac Baird; Macey B. Benton (Matt), Betsy B. Martin (Lawrence), and Richard Baird; 2 great-grandchildren Rush and Darden Benton; her sister Suzanne Fowler and many McMillan Clan nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband and her infant son.
A private family burial will be followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with visitation following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to African Bible Colleges, French Camp Academy and Reformed Theological Seminary.
Jane loved her Lord and Savior, and her life reflects it. Her testimony lives on, as her loved ones will continue to be inspired by her childlike joy, faith, and the daily gratitude that shaped her. We rejoice that Jane is now in the presence of Jesus and reunited with her beloved Jim.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”