Wilda "Jane" Alley

Wilda Jane Russell Alley—Wilda “Jane” Russell Alley, 84, of Clarksville went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, June 14, 2021, following an extended illness.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew Russell and Mary Magdalene Stewart Russell, her brothers James Matthew Russell, Jr., J.C. Russell, and Edward Russell, and her sister Brenna Mae Russell. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald Clifton Alley, her daughter Kim Alley Burke and son-in-law Joe Burke of Nashville, her son Donald Clifton Alley, Jr. and daughter-in-law Amy Wood Alley of Clarksville, her grandchildren Rebekah Burke, Luke Burke, David Greider, Shane Greider, Tony Greider, and Hannah Stomley along with seven nieces, three nephews, and other treasured relatives and friends.

Mrs. Alley was born in Cherry Corner, Ky, where she and her parents were active members of the First Baptist Church of Hazel. She attended Hazel High School and Murray State University prior to working as secretary to the president of Ryan Milk Company in Murray, Ky. In Clarksville, she served as Operations Manager for the office of Raymond James.

Mrs. Alley knew the losses of life at an early age. Her life was almost cut short as an infant when she was rescued from a house fire by her grandmother. The fire resulted in the loss of her family home and possessions at the time of the Great Depression. This loss and that of the early death of her father in her formative years along with the values taught to her by her family led to an early appreciation for life’s gifts and a sensitivity to those who suffer loss. 

Mrs. Alley’s life centered on creating a welcoming home and a love for her family, her friends, her garden, and small animals. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing and crafts, cooking, reading, singing, delighting in watching small children, picnics, and gatherings with family and friends. One of her many gifts was the ability to hand feed stray hummingbirds back to freedom. She reminded those who listened to make good choices and take time for the little gifts of life before they were missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, June 17, at 5:30 pm at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Committal Service will be held Friday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m., at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, in Hopkinsville.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorial contributions be made to The Christian Appalachian Project at donate.christianapp.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Wilda "Jane" Alley, please visit our Tree Store.