A Brief Biography
Jan was born on August 11, 1956, the youngest of four siblings and fourteen cousins. She grew up surrounded and shaped by the love of her family. Jan also grew up deeply involved in church community, which formed her faith and deep love for God.
In high school and college she became an excellent clarinet player, performing and traveling as a top musician at Lamar University. She also brought her excellence and creativity to her work in the music department at Lamar, Florida College Dry Creek Camp, and other various administrative positions throughout life.
A woman of courage, Jan volunteered as a covert informant for the FBI, traveled to Russia to support the work of a local church there, and wrote award winning poetry and short stories. She brought love, thoughtfulness, and vibrancy to all of her pursuits.
Jan committed most of her adult life to loving and raising her sons, Brent and Drew, and imparting her signature creativity to them. As her health made work more challenging, Jan continued to love and serve others by making photo tributes and writing playful and reflective poetry. She had long friendships, a deep faith, and loved her family to the very end.
Throughout her life she constantly said: “With God the rainbow is always bigger than the storm.”