Jane Shirley Smith lived a remarkable life that took her from nursing roots to becoming the wife of one of America’s most influential businessmen. Though often overshadowed by her famous husband Ted Turner’s media empire, Jane’s own story reveals a woman of diverse talents and unwavering dedication to family and community. Let’s explore the life and legacy of this extraordinary woman who balanced multiple roles throughout her 92 years.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 19, 1938, in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Jane Shirley Smith grew up as the eldest of five children. Her formative years in this small New England town helped shape her strong work ethic and family values that would guide her throughout life.
Jane demonstrated academic aptitude and a caring nature from an early age. These qualities led her to pursue nursing, a profession that aligned perfectly with her compassionate personality. In 1951, she graduated from the Burbank Hospital School of Nursing, launching her healthcare career.
Her nursing background provided Jane with practical skills that would serve her well throughout life. The discipline and empathy cultivated during this period remained hallmarks of her character in her later roles as wife, mother, and community member.
Marriage to Ted Turner
Jane’s life trajectory changed dramatically when she met Ted Turner, an ambitious businessman with big dreams in media. Though details of their courtship remain private, their connection was strong enough to lead to marriage on June 2, 1965.
The timing of their union coincided with Turner’s early business ventures that would eventually transform into his media empire. As The Biz Intern often highlights in profiles of business partners, the support of a dedicated spouse can be instrumental in entrepreneurial success.
Jane embraced her role as Turner’s wife during a critical period of expansion for his business interests. While Ted focused on building what would become Turner Broadcasting System, Jane provided stability and support at home, allowing him to pursue his ambitious business goals.
Family Life and Children
During their 23-year marriage, Jane and Ted Turner welcomed three children into their family. As a mother, Jane worked to create a stable home environment despite the growing demands of her husband’s high-profile career.
Balancing motherhood with the social expectations of being married to an increasingly famous businessman presented unique challenges. Jane handled these responsibilities with grace, keeping her children somewhat sheltered from the glare of public attention.
Throughout this period, Jane maintained her identity while supporting her husband’s ventures. She exemplified the often-unrecognized role that spouses play in the success of business tycoons, managing household affairs while Ted built his media kingdom.
Professional Career
Despite her role as wife to a prominent businessman, Jane never abandoned her professional interests. Her nursing background remained an important part of her identity throughout her life.
After her marriage to Turner, Jane demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit in her own right. She and her husband owned and operated the Oatka Deli in Warsaw, NY, showing her business acumen extended beyond supporting her husband’s ventures.
Jane’s work experience also included positions at a 1 Hour Photo Lab and Bud’s Deli. These varied professional experiences highlighted her adaptability and willingness to engage in different business environments throughout her life.
Personal Interests and Community Service
Beyond her family and professional commitments, Jane nurtured several personal passions. She maintained a lifelong love for gardening, finding peace and purpose in cultivating plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Music played a significant role in Jane’s life, particularly her talent for playing the organ. She generously shared this gift by performing at various nursing homes, bringing joy to residents and demonstrating her commitment to community service.
Her strong faith led to active involvement with the First Baptist Church in Warsaw, where she served as organist for several years. This religious commitment provided Jane with both spiritual fulfillment and a platform for community engagement.
Later Years and Second Marriage
Following her divorce from Ted Turner in 1988, Jane maintained a relatively low public profile. The end of their 23-year marriage marked a new chapter in her life, one where she stepped away from the media spotlight.
Jane found love again, marrying A. Rex Reinheimer in what would become a 27-year partnership. This relationship brought her happiness and companionship until Rex’s passing in 2007.
During these years, Jane focused on her personal interests and family connections, living a quieter but fulfilling life away from the public attention that had surrounded her during her marriage to Turner.
Legacy and Final Years
Jane Shirley Smith’s impact extended well beyond her connection to a famous husband. Her contributions to her community through music, church involvement, and nursing home entertainment created a lasting positive influence.
Her dedication to family—both her children with Turner and her extended family connections—established a legacy of love and support that outlived her. Those who knew her remember a woman of principle who remained true to her values throughout life’s changes.
Jane passed away on October 20, 2023, at age 92 in Warsaw, NY. Her long, eventful life spanned from her early days as a nurse to her years as the wife of a media mogul, and finally to her quieter later years focused on family and community service.
Remembering Jane Shirley Smith
Jane Shirley Smith’s story reminds us that behind many successful business figures stands a supportive partner whose contributions often go unrecognized. From her nursing career to her role in Ted Turner’s rise in the media world to her community service, Jane lived a multifaceted life marked by resilience and grace.
While history may remember her primarily as Ted Turner’s second wife, Jane’s own accomplishments and character deserve recognition. Her 92-year journey from Massachusetts nurse to media mogul’s wife to community-minded individual in her later years illustrates a woman who adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining her core values.
Jane’s legacy lives on through her children, her community contributions, and the example she set of balancing personal identity with supporting others’ dreams. Her story serves as a reminder that a truly successful life is measured not by fame, but by positive impact on those around us.
