Janet "Jan" Jaynes

Jan Jaynes of Kilgore died at age 72 on Sunday, January 24, 2021 in Kilgore.

She was born on October 10, 1948 to the late Doris and Freddy Leak. She was reared in San Augustine, Texas and maintained a lifelong attachment to her hometown. She was a leader in her high school and admired by her classmates.

Jan attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. There she met and married Craig Jaynes, her husband of 51 years. She was a proud Texan and her only time to live away from Texas was when she accompanied him to Colorado and Germany during his military service.

They eventually settled in Kilgore, her adopted hometown for 45 years. She respected and celebrated the legacies of both her hometowns and was proud to promote the heritage of her community, state, and nation.

She gave tremendous personal energy and generous resources to the Kilgore College Rangerettes organization, the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation, and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. For six years she worked the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City as a seasonal employee of Mike Miller and Associates who organized the nationwide drill team presence.

Jan was the co-owner of Just Country Friends Antiques in Jefferson Texas for seven years. She taught merchandising for Kilgore College and served as director of the Rangerette Showcase for four years.

Unafraid to tackle any task, large or small, Jan was a person true to her word. If she said she would do something, she did it without hesitation or question. She was a loyal daughter, wife, and friend.

Please refrain from sending flowers. If you wish to honor her memory please donate to the charity of your choice or to the Rangerette Scholarship fund, the Texas Shakespeare Festival or the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation. Local arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.