Our beautiful mother, Nana, sister and friend, has arrived at her new home in heaven. We are confident that she is surrounded by the loving arms of our Lord. We are comforted to know she is now whole, healed and at peace.
Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Oda Cleo Sanders Davis & William Aubrey Davis, her precious daughter, Connie Thibodeaux Puryear, and her former husband, Robert (Bob) Thibodeaux. Jan is survived by her beloved children: Chris (Sonia) Thibodeaux, Curtis (Ann) Thibodeaux, Cathy (Durrell) Hood, Cindy (Felix) Vidales, Carrie (Jon) Peters, her sister, Joye (Butch) Davis Lawson, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, sister & brother-in-laws, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her home is full. There are stacks of books, piles of pictures, bundles of cards from well wishers, pages of prayers and a million memories neatly tucked inside. Her children have often jokingly referred to her house as a time capsule. Jan was the heart of her home. It was a refuge, a constant that all could count on to be there…no matter what!
Jan grew up on a rural farm in Natchitoches, Louisiana and often shared stories of her “milking” and “fishing” days. Very early on, she discovered her love of books and enjoyed learning. She enrolled in Northwestern State University of Louisiana where she met and married Bob during their freshman year. Twin boys arrived at the end of their sophomore year and as she walked across the stage to retrieve her diploma, it was obvious that baby number three would be arriving soon. Her family quickly grew and by the time they arrived in Trussville in the early 60’s, there were four little ones in tow. They moved a short time later to “the house” and welcomed two more daughters. Now, one would think a person would want to escape the hectic world of raising such a brood! And, yes, it wasn’t always easy for her, but her devotion and love was strong and she poured herself out to help grow and invest in each of the lives under her care.
Jan not only invested in the lives of her family, but also in the lives of her neighbors, her church, and the Trussville community. She was a teacher at Hewitt Trussville for many years, Scout leader for both boy and girl troops, a Little League sideline cheerleader, a community club volunteer, church organizer and “Mother” to many. Those that walked across the worn threshold of her home were welcomed and loved as sincerely and deeply as her own. Today her house feels different. A change we need to bear. She is in her new home now. The one she chose many years ago. Her new home is full too, full to overflowing.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be held Monday, December 18, 2023, at First Baptist Church Trussville, Alabama, Fellowship Hall. Family will welcome visitors 10:00-12:00. Service will begin at 12:00.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church Trussville, Alabama, SAM Ministry or Friends of the Trussville Library.