Jane S. Arronson 

Born March 28, 1936, Anniston, Alabama 

Died May 12, 2026, Charlotte, North Carolina

Mrs. Jane Arronson, 90, passed away on May 12, 2026. Born in Anniston, Alabama, she spent most of her life in the Southeast and in New York City. Having outlived many of her family members and friends, she leaves this world to be welcomed by a wonderful “fan club” of loved ones who have gone before her-most notably, her remarkable parents, the Reverend John E. and Mrs. Hallie Lee Barnes Stauffer.

Jane’s childhood was shaped by the deep faith and service of her parents. Reverend Stauffer, a former military chaplain, later operated his own printing press, publishing religious tracts and prayers. Mrs. Stauffer, a registered nurse, became a pastor’s wife and served as a women’s leader in the churches they shepherded throughout the Southeast. She was known for her excellent cooking and gracious Southern hospitality-qualities that left a lasting imprint on Jane and her family. Jane was also preceded in death by her older brother, John Stauffer of San Antonio, Texas, and her older sister, Nina Coughlin of Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

In September 1954, Jane married Max Davidson, drawn to his good looks and athleticism as a professional baseball player. Their marriage lasted two decades, during which they raised four children who went on to make their mark in athletics, business, and academia. Later, while living and working in New York City, Jane met her beloved second husband, Mike Arronson, who became the love of her life. They eventually retired to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where Mike enjoyed sailing, before eventually moving to Charlotte to be closer to Jane’s children and grandchildren.

Jane also shared a lifelong friendship with Mrs. Nancy Farr. Together they raised their children-Jane with three boys and one girl, Nancy with two boys-and enjoyed many lively day trips and holidays with their energetic group of youngsters. Later in life, her children fondly referred to her as “Momma Mia!”  

Professionally, Jane began her career in the nonprofit sector before joining E.F. Hutton & Company, Inc., a life-changing opportunity that became the pinnacle of her professional life. After moving to Manhattan, she attended the New York Institute of Finance and became a registered representative of the New York Stock Exchange and the ASA. She served as executive assistant to the Chairman of the Board of E.F. Hutton, worked at One Battery Park, and lived in the Hutton Apartments on Wall Street. Her years in New York were exciting and fulfilling, overflowing with diverse friendships and meaningful work. 

It was during this chapter of her life that she met Mike Arronson, who owned a chain of shoe stores in Manhattan. She joined him sailing aboard the Delilah, a 45-foot yacht out of Rowayton, Connecticut-though her sailing skills were often humorously questioned. At one point, she joked that she thought her name was “Jesus Christ, Jane,” a phrase Mike frequently called out while they were at sea.

After Mike’s death, she reconnected with her longtime E.F. Hutton colleague, Clif McIntire, and his family.  Jane worked with Clif and the investment team for several years, bringing an aura of sophistication to their growing group. Clif often said, “She is a class act.”  Lisa McIntire Shaw, who later took over the firm, shared, “I will always be grateful to her for teaching me so much about being a business lady.” 

Mrs. Arronson was preceded in death by her beloved son, Christopher Alan Davidson (“Chris”).  Chris’ family includes his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Raker (husband Bill), as well as grandson William V.

She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

Her oldest son, Max Douglas (“Doug”) Davidson, Jr., and his wife, Cindy Davidson, have three children:  Jennifer Byrd (husband John and son Dougles), · David Davidson (husband Brandon and son Dalton), · John Barron Davidson (wife Grace)

Her daughter, Pamela Lee Davidson, was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Raia. Pamela’s family includes stepchildren Lynda Galins (husband Joe and daughter Nicole Alexis) and Mark Raia (wife Autumn).

Her youngest son, John Mark (“Mark”) Davidson, and his wife, Linda, have two children:  Taylor Davidson Jackson (husband Dylan and son Wyatt), · Logan Davidson (wife Maddie).

Mrs. Arronson was a devoted member of Myers Park Baptist Church, where she served as a deacon for many years. She moved to Southminster Retirement Center in 2009, drawn by the opportunity to be closer to her church community and friends.

Reverend Thomas Kelly will preside over A Celebration of Life at the Southminster Chapel on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place at the Myers Park Baptist Church Columbarium, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Mike Arronson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Arronson to Via Health Partners Hospice Care. 

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