Susan "Jane" Brinkman

Susan "Jane" (Crocker) Brinkman, beloved wife, mother, Granny, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. A woman of immense warmth, creativity, and dedication, Jane left a beautiful mark on the world through her service to others and her deep devotion to her family.

Born on September 28, 1948, in Marshall, Texas, to Luther and Anna Lou Crocker, Jane grew up in Kilgore, TX with a vibrant, but quiet, spirit. She graduated from Kilgore High School in 1967, where she was active in girls' athletics and home economics.

Jane possessed a lifelong love for sewing, quilting, and baking. She became famous among family and friends for her legendary strawberry cake, her signature Longhorn cookies, and her exquisitely crafted quilts. She quilted beautifully up until her final days, ensuring her last project was a special baby quilt for a little one soon to be born.

Jane also loved to entertain, and the annual Easter party was always her favorite day of the year. Her door was always open, and no one was a stranger; everyone was always welcome. This was especially true when Katie’s 'yankee' family turned her world upside down in 2009. Jane welcomed them with open arms, as she did everyone. Beyond entertaining, she was always willing to help, lend a hand, or cook a meal for anyone in need.

Jane was also a dedicated public servant, working for the State of Texas for over 25 years. She began her career as an Administrative Assistant in the Manufactured Housing Division of the Texas Department of Labor and Standards. She later transitioned to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, where she ultimately retired as an Executive Assistant in the Licensing Division, respected by all who worked alongside her.

Following her retirement, Jane and her husband, Dan, embarked on wonderful travel adventures across the country, making lifelong friends wherever they went. A particularly cherished milestone came in 2020, when she crossed her 50th state off her bucket list during a memorable family trip to Hawaii with Dan, Jeff, Katie, and the girls.

While Jane wore many titles, her favorite by far was "Granny." Her son, Jeff, was the absolute apple of her eye—until her granddaughters arrived. For the last 12 years, Jane devoted every single minute of every day to being the ultimate grandmother, a role in which she truly excelled. From teaching the girls to sew, cook, and craft, to never missing a game, dance recital, school activity, or a daily bus pick-up or drop-off, Granny’s world revolved around those girls, and she loved them fiercely.

Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Daniel "Dan" Brinkman; her son, Jeffrey, and his loving wife, Katie; and her precious granddaughters, Caroline Lisa and Sadie Jane, who will carry her legacy of love, creativity, and kindness forward.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Weed - Corley - Fish Lakeway. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Austin Area Quilt Guild, P.O. Box 5757, Austin, TX 78763.