A BELOVED Stourbridge teacher has died after a long illness at the age of 67.

Jayne Howells, former assistant headteacher of Ridgewood High School, formally High Park, passed away at Russells Hall Hospital on the morning of Good Friday (March 25).

Those close to Jayne called her a “beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother” and will be “sadly missed” by family and friends.

During her working life, she taught for more than 20 years at the Wollaston school where she reached the role of assistant headteacher.

Ian Maddock, the school’s former headteacher, said: “Jayne worked initially in the home economics area, specialising in fabrics and achieving high standards of work from pupils.

“One of her great strengths was in pastoral care, getting to know and understand children, working with them and their families to resolve difficulties.

“She became a successful head of ‘upper school’ with pastoral responsibility for years 10 and 11.

“She was a valued member of the senior management team.”

Jayne’s funeral will take place at Kinver Methodist Church at 10am on Thursday April 14, followed by a short service at Stourbridge Crematorium at 11am.

Flowers from immediate family only and donations for the PSP Association are being accepted by Wombourne Funeral Services.