Helen Jane Dunlap

Helen Jane Dunlap, a resident of Pittsboro, NC, died on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. Born February 11, 1953 in Nash County, NC, she was the daughter of John Jennings Dunlap III and Helen Hales Dunlap of Wadesboro, NC. Jane's mother, Helen, was originally from Spring Hope, NC, where the family lived during Jane's early childhood.
 
Surviving Jane are her two children, Mya Jennings Smith and her partner, Jeff Day, of Palo Alto, CA; and Ethan Dunlap Smith and his wife, Patricia Brummitt, of Chapel Hill. Also surviving are her younger sister, Kate MacAlister Dunlap and her husband, Keith Denny, of Pittsboro; and Jane’s former husband, Jim Smith, of Carrboro, NC, who was her stalwart friend to the end, particularly during her long struggle with cancer. There are two grandsons, Samuel Elliott Smith and Aaron James Smith of Chapel Hill. And there are two nephews, Caleb MacAlister Bruce (wife, Meghan McGhee) of Pickens, SC; and Dylan Haley Bruce (wife, Tara DiJohn Bruce and daughter, Sofie Evelyn Bruce) of Chapel Hill. Her dog, Gus, was her constant companion and bedmate.
 
Jane enjoyed yoga, dogs, music, books, plants, art, travel, fishing, and the North Carolina coast. She relished engaging in long conversations and friendly debates. One of her greatest pleasures throughout life was imagining new purposes for the treasures she found scouring thrift stores for bargains. Professionally, she worked in various roles in journalism, graphics, manuscript editing, education, and computer systems support, eventually launching her own business helping individuals and local nonprofits with just about anything to do with a PC or Mac. Jane attended college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 
The family and close friends will gather in Chapel Hill for a private celebration of Jane’s life, followed by committal in Eastview Cemetery in Wadesboro, where Jane spent most of her childhood years. Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham Literacy, the American Cancer Society, or charity of choice.