SCGS Volunteer Jane VanTour Honored by NGS

Longtime SCGS volunteer recognized for a lifetime of service to the genealogical community

From left: Jane at the SCGS Library (courtesy of Paula Hinkle); Jane volunteering at an SCGS event; Jane as a young stewardess; the National Genealogical Society's 2026 Family History Conference, where Jane was posthumously honored with the Shirley Langdon Wilcox Award for Exemplary Volunteerism.

On May 30, 2026, longtime Southern California Genealogical Society member and volunteer Jane VanTour was posthumously honored with the Shirley Langdon Wilcox Award for Exemplary Volunteerism at the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jane devoted decades of service to the genealogical community.

The award recognizes an individual whose generosity, dedication, and years of service have benefited both the National Genealogical Society and the broader genealogy community. According to NGS, Jane began volunteering at the 2013 NGS Family History Conference in Las Vegas and quickly became known for her willingness to help wherever needed.

A Familiar Face at Conferences

Jane's dedication to genealogy was recognized nationally long before this year's posthumous honor. In 2013, she became only the second recipient of the National Genealogical Society's Distinguished Service Award, recognizing exemplary contributions to the Society and its mission.

At NGS conferences, Jane volunteered in numerous roles, from staffing registration desks and assisting attendees to troubleshooting technology and supporting conference operations behind the scenes. Her friendly demeanor and readiness to help made her a favorite among attendees and organizers alike. NGS noted that at every conference she attended, Jane stepped forward to assist wherever needed, always welcoming newcomers and helping to solve problems large and small.

From Memphis to Southern California

Jane's path to Southern California began with a career in aviation. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, as Nelda Jane Wilson, she earned a degree in Spanish and a minor in French from the University of Tennessee before joining Pan American World Airways as a flight attendant in 1969. She later transferred to Los Angeles and remained in the area when Pan Am's Pacific routes were acquired by United Airlines. During a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Jane traveled the world while making Southern California her home, eventually becoming a familiar and valued member of the SCGS community.

Following her retirement, she returned to her hometown of Memphis, where she continued volunteering with genealogy and community organizations.

Service Beyond NGS

That same spirit of service was familiar to members of the Southern California Genealogical Society, where Jane generously shared her time, expertise, and enthusiasm with researchers and fellow volunteers for many years.

Her volunteer service extended well beyond the National Genealogical Society. NGS also recognized her volunteer contributions to the Southern California Genealogical Society, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and, after her retirement and return to Tennessee, the Tennessee Genealogical Society.

In announcing the award, NGS stated that Jane "truly exemplified an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism."

A Lasting Legacy at SCGS

Many SCGS members remember Jane from our annual Jamborees, where she served as a gracious hostess for speakers, helped evaluate prospective presenters, and welcomed attendees with warmth and enthusiasm. Whether working behind the scenes or assisting a first-time conference participant, Jane's kindness and generosity left a lasting impression.

Her contributions helped strengthen not only SCGS but the wider genealogy community, reflecting the collaborative spirit that makes genealogy organizations successful.

A Well-Deserved Tribute

This national recognition is a fitting tribute to a volunteer whose impact was felt across genealogical societies, conferences, and educational programs throughout the country. Jane's legacy lives on through the countless people she encouraged, supported, and inspired.

SCGS congratulates Jane's family, friends, and colleagues on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to have counted her among our members and volunteers.

The award recognizes an individual whose generosity, dedication, and years of service have benefited both the National Genealogical Society and the broader genealogy community. According to NGS, Jane began volunteering at the 2013 NGS Family History Conference in Las Vegas and quickly became known for her willingness to help wherever needed.

A Familiar Face at Conferences

Jane's dedication to genealogy extended well beyond the National Genealogical Society. NGS also recognized her volunteer contributions to the Southern California Genealogical Society, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Tennessee Genealogical Society.

At NGS conferences, Jane volunteered in numerous roles, from staffing registration desks and assisting attendees to troubleshooting technology and supporting conference operations behind the scenes. Her friendly demeanor and readiness to help made her a favorite among attendees and organizers alike. NGS noted that at every conference she attended, Jane stepped forward to assist wherever needed, always welcoming newcomers and helping to solve problems big and small.

From Memphis to Southern California

Jane's path to Southern California began with a career in aviation. After earning a degree in Spanish and a minor in French from the University of Tennessee, she joined Pan American World Airways as a flight attendant in 1969. She later transferred to Los Angeles and remained in the area when Pan Am's Pacific routes were acquired by United Airlines. During a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Jane traveled the world while making Southern California her home, eventually becoming a familiar and valued member of the SCGS community.

Following her retirement, she returned to her hometown of Memphis, where she continued volunteering with genealogy and community organizations.

Service Beyond NGS

That same spirit of service was familiar to members of the Southern California Genealogical Society, where Jane generously shared her time, expertise, and enthusiasm with researchers and fellow volunteers for many years.

Jane's dedication to genealogy extended well beyond the National Genealogical Society. NGS also recognized her volunteer contributions to the Southern California Genealogical Society, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and, after her retirement and return to Tennessee, the Tennessee Genealogical Society.

In announcing the award, NGS stated that Jane "truly exemplified an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism."

A Lasting Legacy at SCGS

Many SCGS members remember Jane from our annual Jamborees, where she served as a gracious hostess for speakers, helped evaluate prospective presenters, and welcomed attendees with warmth and enthusiasm. Whether working behind the scenes or assisting a first-time conference participant, Jane's kindness and generosity left a lasting impression.

Her contributions helped strengthen not only SCGS but the wider genealogy community, reflecting the collaborative spirit that makes genealogy organizations successful.

A Well-Deserved Tribute

This national recognition is a fitting tribute to a volunteer whose impact was felt across genealogical societies, conferences, and educational programs throughout the country. Jane's legacy lives on through the countless people she encouraged, supported, and inspired.

SCGS congratulates Jane's family, friends, and colleagues on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to have counted her among our members and volunteers.