Jane Barnard Dulin's Obituary
Jane Barnard Dulin, 84, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on April 25, 1941, in Chester, Illinois, Jane lived a life marked by grace, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to her family and community.
A graduate of Kingsbury High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Jane was an accomplished student and athlete. She served as the captain of the cheerleading squad. Jane’s education continued at University of Tennessee Dental School, where she completed the Dental Hygienist program and subsequently worked as a hygienist for several years.
Jane carried her love of sports into adulthood as an avid tennis player, picking up golf later in life. Although a quiet competitor, sports were a way to spend time with friends, and most importantly, on the golf course “walking nine” with her beloved husband and best friend, Phil. She always said, “If you can’t beat em, join em!” but she always held her own.
Jane’s life was deeply enriched by her 63-year marriage to John “Phil” Dulin. Known affectionately as “Janie” to Phil, she was his steadfast partner and best friend. Phil’s career in banking became a big part of their life early in the Memphis community and beyond with travel around the world. A move to Chattanooga with two children in tow, then back to Memphis two years later, showed Jane’s ability to do whatever was needed in support of her dear family. She made the transition seamless and made new lifelong friends along the way.
Together with Phil, she built a loving home filled with laughter, warmth, tradition, and hospitality. As “Mom” to daughter Peggy and son John, Jane’s home was open to all with a delicious baked good ready for the taking. “Home” to Jane’s family was wherever she was. In Memphis, at her favorite beach or mountain place, visiting her five grandchildren in Birmingham, all could not wait to spend time with “Memommy.”
Beyond her family life, Jane loved her community, as shown by her active involvement in Le Bonheur Children’s hospital; her church, Idlewild Presbyterian, her Tuesday Study club; bridge club and her tennis group. She enjoyed entertaining, hosting parties in her home for her and Phil’s friends, with her signature warmth and grace.
Jane is survived by her husband Phil; daughter Peggy Damrich (David); son John Dulin (Susan); sister Joan Parish, brother Clyde Barnard (Alyson); Five grandchildren, Reynolds Thompson, Philip Thompson (Madeline), Paden Thompson, Philip Dulin and Ellen Dulin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Barnard and Clyde Barnard.
A service will be held at Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham on Friday, August 15th at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at noon. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Birmingham.
A memorial service will be held next week at Memorial Gardens in Memphis, Tennessee where Jane will be laid to rest. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kirkwood by the River, 3605 Ratliff Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35210, in honor of all those who took part in the loving care of Jane, to Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, or to the charity of choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Jane?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jane?
Share a story where Jane's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jane you’ll never forget.
How did Jane make you smile?
