Jane Ryan Eleazer Boyette O’Connor
Jane Ryan Eleazer Boyette O’Connor, lovingly known as “Janie,” was born on October 2, 1952, to Dr. and Mrs. Ray Eleazer. Janie passed away on May 13, 2026. She was raised in Waycross, Georgia, and graduated from Waycross High School before continuing her education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and The University of Georgia where she earned a baccalaureate degree.
Janie worked and raised her children in Moultrie, Georgia. In 1991, she met the love of her life, Wayne Thomas Boyette, and they were married in 1993. At that time, Janie and her daughter, Anna Nash, moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she remained until 2020.
Janie and Wayne cherished time spent at their farm in Laurel Hill, their river house on The Choctawhatchee River, and their condo on Okaloosa Island. Together they enjoyed traveling the world and creating lasting memories with family and friends.
After Wayne’s passing, Janie moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where she was blessed to meet and marry her husband, Jim O’Connor. Janie and Jim also shared a love for exploration and adventure together. Faith was a central part of Janie’s life. Wherever she lived, she was deeply active in her church community. She served faithfully on the Floral Guild and found joy in creating beautiful arrangements. She was also a devoted member of the Order of the daughters of The King and the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller (Order of Nobility). Through her documented ancestral lineage, Janie was honored to be a member of the National Huguenot Society.
Above all else, Janie treasured her family and friends. She valued every moment spent with those she loved and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, faith, hospitality, and devotion. Janie was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Ryan Nash; Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Ray Eleazer; her grandparents, Willis Duncan and Colzy Caroline Heriot Ryan; and Wayne Boyette.
She is survived by her husband, Jim O’Connor; her son, Sam Nash (Stephanie), grandchildren, Lawton and Chap Nash, and Paisley Perry; her daughter, Anna Nash DeWeil (Kirk), grandchildren, Grayson and Caden DeWeil; her stepson, Wally Boyette, grandsons Bruce and Tyler Boyette; and her stepson Ben Boyette (Danielle), grandchildren Bradley and Brielle Boyette.
Janie is also survived by Jim O’Connor’s children, Erin Holmquist (Kyle), Colleen Marshall (Steve), Maureen Britain, James O’Connor (Heather), and Brian O’Connor.
As Janie lived much of her adult life in Florida the first of two memorial services will be held in Fort Walton Beach on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10AM, Janie’s remains will be interned into the columbarium alongside Wayne at St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church.
There will also be a cocktail reception held at River Oaks Clubhouse in Greer, South Carolina. Family will receive friends there on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1-4PM.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Janie, we suggest: The St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 28 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548.
Physical addresses for services:
St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church
28 Miracle Pkwy SW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
River Oaks Clubhouse
124 River Oaks Rd
Greer, South Carolina 29650
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Many prayers for the whole family!
Our prayers to Janie’s family & long time friends…🐠
To Jim and Janie’s families: We are heartbroken that our beloved Janie has passed away. We’ve truly enjoyed her friendship since she married Jim. Her outgoing personality and love of life exemplified her southern charm, spirit, faith and love.
We pray that God grants both Jim and Janie’s families the strength and resolve to cope with her loss. May her soul, and al the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
With sincere sympathy and condolences:
Joe & Juine Julian
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Jim and the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Lydia Sullivan
I am so sorry for your loss.
Janie was the kindest soul to everyone and she quickly became my very close friend 5 years ago. Janie was always looking to help someone in need or not. She demonstrated true kindness and concern and many love lessons that I will never forget. She always had a great common sense way of looking at life and situations. She was like my big sister!
Janie was taken from us way too soon and the shock of her passing is difficult for many of us to accept. She truly loved Jim and his family and Anna and Sam and their families!!!
Knowing Janie was a Christian with a strong belief system in the Lord brings a strong flow of comfort to me knowing I will see her again.
Praying for everyone during this very difficult and stressful time and hoping you will find comfort and peace remembering such a wonderful lady!
Nancy T. Wilson
Sincere condolences & sympathy to Jim & families.Sending prayers for all during this difficult time .
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincerest condolences and prayers to all the family members. Gloria Jackson, Dawn and Mike Semones