Writing and lecturing on temperance, and providing it with her financial support gave her reputation prominence throughout the South.

[2] [3] Jane (nickname "Jennie")[2][3] Elizabeth (or Eliza) Thomas was born in Columbus, Georgia, February 13, 1838.

The father, a native of Hancock County, Georgia, a prosperous planter and slave owner, was prominent in public life as a lawyer, circuit judge, State senator and representative, and soldier in the Indian wars.

[3] The civil war following closely upon her marriage, Sibley accompanied her soldier husband to the camp whenever she could.

At one time, when there was great stagnation in business throughout the country, and factories were closed, and the poor suffered, Mrs. Sibley with her pastor's wife canvassed the city of Augusta for provisions, clothing, medicine, and money for their relief.

At another time, when her church was embarrassed with a large debt, and the trustees were about to issue bonds to be paid in twenty years, she with another woman succeeded, by their individual personal appeals to the members of the church and congregation, in raising the money and liquidating the debt.

From that time on, she was a staunch and true lover of the cause, working against great opposition, prejudice, and difficulty.

She was President of the Ladies' Aid Society to the public library, and a Director in the Home for Unfortunate Women.