Georgetown: Jane Tailer Cleveland Merchant, 95, died Wednesday December 29th at Morningside Assisted Living. She departed peacefully and with true grace, surrounded by family and close friends. She was a proud and loving mother to her daughter, Mary Cathcart Merchant and son-in-law Laurence Atherton Mills, of Georgetown and North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and an admiring grandmother to their many Collies. She was the daughter of Horace Gillette Cleveland and Ethel Tailer Cleveland of Darien, Conn. In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by her beloved brother Bill (Horace Gillette Cleveland III), a Marine pilot killed in the South Pacific during WWII, and by her husband of 52 years, William Alfred Merchant, who had extensive family roots in both Georgetown and Charleston. She was a fond Godmother to Peter Mennen of St. Helena, Calif. and Elizabeth Hills of Northhampton, N.H., and will be especially missed by her life long friend, Katherine Mennen Hirsch of Stuart, Fla. Ms. Jane was a graduate of the prestigious Cooper Union Art School in New York City, and was a successful artist who specialized in portraiture of children, family pets and show dogs. Her work appeared frequently at juried art exhibits in Florida and Connecticut during the many years she lived there, and she was keenly interested in the Low Country art scene, working for many years at the Rice Museum and Prevost Gallery in Georgetown. Ms. Jane was also an enthusiastic member and past officer of Senior Scholars (now The Scholars) of Georgetown, and volunteered extensively at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, the Georgetown County Museum and St. Frances Animal Shelter, where she was devoted to caring for 'her kitties'. A passionate believer in the democratic process and human rights, she championed the cause of all who struggle for equality. She thirsted for peace and justice; she cherished creativity and generosity of spirit. Her final years were graced with comfort and dignity thanks to many caring people. Both she and her daughter particularly benefitted from the loving guidance of Nancy Jones and Linda Shaw at Morningside, Reagan Callaghan of Elder Advocates of S.C. and Dr. Richard Camlin (deceased) and Dr. Gerald Congdon. A Memorial Service will be held for Ms. Jane at Morningside Assisted Living of Georgetown, 2628 N. Fraser St., where she will be remembered fondly by those who loved her during her four years residency there. Friends from the community are cordially invited to join the family in attending this celebration of her life on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 3 pm. Sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Frances Animal Center, 125 N. Ridge St., Georgetown, S.C. 29440 would be especially appropriate, as would any donation to a local food bank. Her blessings be with you. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440