In Loving Memory of Jane Condon (1938–2025)

Jane Sharp Condon, a visionary educator, tireless advocate for the arts, and beloved community leader, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at the age of 86. Her life was a testament to the transformative power of education, the beauty of the arts, and the profound impact one individual can have on countless lives.

A Journey Begins

Born in 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jane’s early years hinted at the path she would carve in life. Known for her dramatic flair even as a child, Jane’s family fondly recalled paying her a quarter to recite monologues by the fireplace. Her love for words and performance would later become the bedrock of her contributions to arts education.

After graduating from Lee High School, Jane attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958. Although her initial aspirations included a career in broadcasting or law, Jane ultimately found her calling in education. She graduated with a double major in English and secondary education, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to cultivating the talent and intelligence of future generations. 

An Educator’s Legacy

After four years’ experience teaching in local elementary schools , Jane seized the opportunity to teach for the Department of Defense Overseas Schools, spending two years in Germany and one in Japan. From that experience grew her second lifelong passion—travel.   

In 1978, she accepted her first principal-ship at Stonewall Jackson Elementary, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

In 1986, Jane was appointed principal of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, a role that would define her legacy. Over ten transformative years, Jane built Douglas Anderson into a paragon of artistic and academic excellence. Under her leadership, the school became a sanctuary where students felt seen, heard, and valued—regardless of their backgrounds. Her unwavering belief in her students’ potential and her insistence on high standards earned her the prestigious Florida Times-Union’s EVE Award for Education in 1991.

Her passion didn’t stop there. After a brief retirement in 1996 to care for her beloved husband, Bill Condon, Jane returned to the educational stage to become the founding principal of LaVilla School of the Arts. For seven years, she poured her heart into creating another vibrant community where students could thrive. Even after semi-retiring in 2003, Jane remained a guiding light, with teachers proudly wearing “Chosen by Jane” badges—a testament to the enduring mark she left on their lives. She went on to serve as Executive Director of the First Coast Community Music School. 

A Life of Love and Friendship

Jane’s personal life was as rich and fulfilling as her professional one. She shared a deep, abiding love with her two husbands, Bill Condon and Dan Selhorst, until they passed in 1996 and 2011, respectively

In 2012, she became friends with Carol Grimes, also a widowed educator. They became housemates and together traveled the world while continuing to contribute to the culture of Jacksonville. Jane and Carol became founding board members of TEDxJacksonville and helped establish Lumen Repertory Theatre, where Carol continues to serve as board member. Together they mentored young professional women and contributed to a host of community organizations. Inspired by their friend Susan Brandenburg,  Carol wrote Jane’s memoir, Chosen by Jane, a beautiful book filled with photos from her personal and professional life  

 In addition to her husbands, Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sadie Sharp, and her brother, Bob Sharp.

Though Jane chose not to have children of her own, she was a doting grandmother to seven grands (Ripley and Kensey Selhorst (step-son Geoff and Sarah); Sullivan, Liam, and Tallulah Selhorst (step-son Mark and Prisca); Tucker and Cameron Sharp (nephew Michael and Sally), and a mother figure to thousands of students. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched—from her personal family to the halls of Douglas Anderson and LaVilla to the broader Jacksonville community, where her influence continues to inspire. 

An Enduring Impact

Jane’s dedication to arts education helped shape the cultural landscape of Jacksonville. Her leadership at Douglas Anderson and LaVilla Schools of the Arts created spaces where creativity flourished, and young artists found their voices. Her former students, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in their fields, often credit Jane with instilling in them the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Her life was not just about building schools; it was about building futures. Jane believed in the power of the arts to transform lives, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that every student had the opportunity to discover their potential.

A Celebration of Life

Jane Condon’s well-lived life will be remembered as a unique celebration of life event in the next few months. Stay tuned for more details via this website.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Jane Condon Outstanding Educators Fund, administered by the nonprofit Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, which will provide annual grants to educators who exemplify unwavering dedication to their students, a deep commitment to their craft, and perseverance through challenging circumstances -- continuing her mission of long lasting impact in the arts.

Jane Condon leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and lasting change. She taught us that education is more than imparting knowledge, it is about inspiring hearts and minds. Her light will continue to shine in every student she uplifted, every teacher she mentored, and every life she touched.

Rest in peace, Jane. Your story, your passion, and your vision will forever be etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of being chosen by you.

Additional Information

Book: Chosen by Jane. July 2021. by Jane Condon, Carol Grimes, and Susan Brandenburg -- https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Jane-Condon/dp/0578955989

Article: Chosen by Jane: A Rallying Cry for Excellent Arts Education Jan/Feb 2022 by Carol Grimes (Arbus Magazine) -- https://arbus.com/chosen-by-jane-a-rallying-cry-for-excellent-arts-education/

Radio: Jane on First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross 10/12/21 -- https://news.wjct.org/podcast/first-coast-connect-with-melissa-ross/2021-10-12/covid-relief-money-jane-condon-chapter-endnotes-jax-by-jax-literary-arts-festival

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/jane-condon/obituary/

Copy