Dr. Elizabeth Jane Melendez

Dr. Elizabeth Jane Melendez (AKA Jane) passed away at Signature Healthcare of Elizabethton, TN on February 12, 2025, one day after her 87th birthday, after an extended illness.

She is survived by her daughter, Helen E. Munari (Robert Munari) of Evans, GA, her son, John W. Melendez (Holly Melendez) of Johnson City, TN and nine loving grandchildren (Faith, John Gregory, Destiny, Willie, Eloy, Joshua, Caleb, Mae, and Lily) of Johnson City, TN.

Jane lived a remarkable life- Born on February 11, 1938, in Long Beach, CA to Rosa Elizabeth Hall Murphy and John William Murphy, she enjoyed her upbringing as a “Navy brat.” She and her brother, John Patrick Murphy traveled and adventured together during their youth. 

She earned her undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI, where she met her husband, Eloy José Melendez. The two moved to Oklahoma and then to Venezuela, SA where Jane taught at the local Catholic School, La Salle. She returned to the United States in the 1980’s to pursue higher education and further her career, accomplishing academic feats while simultaneously raising her children. She completed her master’s degree and PhD at Indiana University.

She moved to the mountains in 1986 and taught at East Tennessee State University for 30 years, first in the Developmental Studies Department and later in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She taught Reading and Linguistics and served in various capacities, including Faculty Senate President during her tenure at ETSU. She earned the respect of colleagues and students alike, as she trailblazed for women in Education and spent her adult life advocating for women, underprivileged populations, minorities and abused and neglected animals.

Fiercely independent and compassionate toward the plight of others, she was also fluent in Spanish, loved sitcoms, cats, flowers and her family. There will be no formal service, at her humble request. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a local animal shelter or the Humane Society in her honor.