Jan Lynn Jones, a teacher, author, speaker and friend, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, 2015. Ms. Jones was 67 years old. Service: 10 a.m. Monday at Altamesa Church of Christ, 4600 Altamesa Blvd. Jan will be laid to rest with her niece, Colby, in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: Family and friends will gather 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Great Room at Robertson Mueller Harper. Memorials: Consideration of contributions to Christ's Haven for Children, Keller, or to a scholarship fund established at Abilene Christian University, honoring the memory of Jan and Colby, is suggested. Born in Fort Worth on Aug. 14, 1947, Jan was the daughter of Albert L. and Hazel Mitchell Jones. She graduated from Eastern Hills High School and earned a bachelor's degree in drama and English education at Abilene Christian University. She later obtained a master's degree from the University of North Texas. Jan was a popular and respected teacher of English, speech and drama at Lake Worth High School, later teaching English at Crowley High School and Castleberry High School. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of many subjects, especially the Bible, and researched tirelessly. As a result, she became a historian and sought-after speaker after retiring from teaching. She authored two books, "Billy Rose Presents Casa Manana," about the early history of Casa Manana, and "Renegades Showmen & Angels," a theatrical history of Fort Worth. She also contributed a chapter to the book "Grace & Gumption: Stories of Fort Worth Women." A dedicated Christian, Jan was a longtime member of Altamesa Church of Christ, where she frequently taught Ladies Bible Class and was a valued member of a number of committees. She enjoyed reading, travel and gardening, as well as attending the symphony, theater, opera and movies with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Colby McDaniel, with whom she had a special bond. Survivors: In addition to her brother, Stephen Jones and his wife, Judy, of Waco, Jan is survived by her sister, Alice Ann McDaniel and her husband, Alan, of Fort Worth; nephew, Garrett Jones and his wife, Paige; nieces, Haley Jones and Taylor McDaniel; and treasured friends, too numerous to count.
Published in Star-Telegram from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2015