Leslie Jane Backus

Leslie Jane Backus was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 5, 1956, to George and Lyndal Beam. Jane graduated from Grapevine High School in 1974 and graduated from the University of North Texas in 1978 with multiple teaching certificates and a music degree.

Following four years of teaching high school music and government in Center, Texas, Jane moved to Austin, Texas, in 1983 to work as an administrative and legislative aide for Representative Mark Stiles from 1983 to 1985. It was during her work at the legislature in February 1983 that a college junior from Southwestern University, David Backus, was randomly assigned to intern for Mark Stiles as part of his college degree program. David and Jane quickly realized that they were destined to do life together, and they married on December 22, 1984. David graduated from Southwestern and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in May 1985. Shortly after, he was accepted as a law student at Texas Tech University College of Law. David and Jane moved to Lubbock, Texas, during the summer of 1985, and Jane put David through law school while teaching at Brownfield Independent School District from 1986 to 1988. Following law school, Jane and David were stationed in Okinawa, Japan, from 1988 to 1991 and in Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 1994. While David was completing his military service, Jane worked as the clerk for the House Public Education Committee during the 1993 legislative session and later as a lobbyist for the Texas Association of School Boards from 1994 to 1998. After her successful career in politics, Jane and David adopted their four extraordinary children, whom they often described as their precious gifts from God. From 1998 through 2010, Jane redirected her considerable energy and focus to being a remarkably gifted full-time homemaker. Then, in 2010, Jane returned to teaching and taught middle school English Language Arts at Trinity Christian School, which also allowed her to be with and teach her own children until she retired in May 2022.

Jane loved keeping up with U.S. and state politics and music. She faithfully played piano at Cornerstone Bible Church for over twenty years and loved Christian music of every era. She was a nurturer, and her children were at the center of everything she did. Jane was a godly wife, mother, and friend, and she was always prepared to give wise counsel in all circumstances. Most importantly, Jane was a devoted follower of Christ, a student of God’s Word, and a prayer warrior.

Jane is survived by her husband, David Paul Backus; children, Jacob George Backus (Mikala), Victor Reed Backus (Kaitlyn), Curran Hope Backus, and Benjamin Paul Backus; grandchildren, Elliott Hudson Backus and Oliver Nehemiah Backus; sister, Susan Strong; and niece and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lyn Beam, who instilled in her a strong love for the Lord and for His Word.

Jane went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.

Donations in her memory can be made to Prestonwood Pregnancy Center (prestonwoodpregnancycenter.org) or Show Hope (showhope.org