C. Jane (Henson) Pinkstaff, 79, of Livonia, MI, died on August 14, 2026.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, located at 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, (between Sheldon and Beck) in Plymouth, MI. The memorial service will occur on Friday, August 21, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Pinkstaff was born February 26, 1947, in Hillsboro, to Clifford Don and Julia Ann Henson.
According to family lore, Mrs. Pinkstaff “had more careers than Barbie.” Her varied careers included teaching exercise classes, teaching high school and serving as a funeral director at the Bass Family Funeral Home in Hillsboro. She later became a highly successful executive recruiter, including at Coopers and Lybrand, before opening her own executive recruiting firm.
She fondly remembered being crowned Miss Montgomery County and went on to become runner-up for Miss Illinois, showcasing her talent for tap dancing.
Later in life, Mrs. Pinkstaff discovered a talent for art and designed and sculpted baby dolls that became commercially available collectables. She was endlessly curious and remarkably handy, fixing appliances and tackling home networking projects herself.
She had a lifelong love of animals, with a particular fondness for red Dobermans.
Above all, she treasured her family, especially her role as a grandmother. She will be remembered for her determination, creativity, independence, resourcefulness and remarkable ability to reinvent herself throughout her life.
Mrs. Pinkstaff is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter, Amy Sue (Monroe Jones) Bass; son, Dan (Melissa) Bass Jr.; grandchildren, Abigail Bass and Jake Bass; sister, Susan (David) Fones; and nephews, Ryan Fones and Jordan Fones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Clifford Don Henson, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Huron Valley, PO Box 7026, Liberty Station, Ann Arbor MI 48107.
