Jeanette S Corbett

Lillian Jeanette “Janie” Shelton Taylor Corbett, 88, passed away peacefully on her own terms on September 23, 2025, at her home in North Richland Hills, TX, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1936, in Boswell, OK, Janie was the beloved daughter of Dorothy “Dot” and Raymond “Butch” Shelton. Her early years were spent in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Fort Worth before the family finally settled in Wichita Falls, TX. There, she and her older brother, Raymond, graduated from Wichita Falls High School.

Following high school, Janie attended Midwestern State University and Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where she met her future husband, John T. Taylor. They married in June 1957 and began building a life together. They welcomed their son, William “Rip” Taylor, in 1959 and their daughter, Wendy Taylor (Janvier), in 1965. After spending twelve years in the oil patch, the family made their home in North Richland Hills.

Tragically, John passed away in 1992 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Years later, Janie found love again with Bailey Corbett Jr., and the two shared many wonderful years together before his passing in 2023.

Once her children reached school age, Janie was determined to finish what she had started years before. She worked as a school secretary in Birdville ISD while attending Texas Wesleyan at night and during summers, all while raising two children. In May 1981, she proudly walked across the stage to receive her degree in Education—the very same weekend her son graduated. She later earned her Master’s in Education from Texas Wesleyan.

Janie began her teaching career at Birdville Elementary before transferring to Porter Elementary, where she taught for the remainder of her career until her retirement in 2002. Even in retirement, Janie’s love for education never faded. In 2006, she joined a group of retired teachers on a mission trip to Sri Lanka to teach English, a testament to her lifelong passion for helping others learn and grow.

Beyond the classroom, Janie was a true leader and servant in her community. She served as PTA President at Mullendore Elementary while her daughter attended and was the beloved Girl Scout troop leader for Wendy’s troop, affectionately known as “the mom of the group.” She maintained wonderful, lasting relationships with many of the girls from her troop well into adulthood. Janie also served as President of the Birdville Association of Retired School Personnel (BARSP) and remained an active member of the Metroplex Republican Women’s Club, continuing to inspire others with her dedication and involvement.

Family was always the center of Janie’s life. She never missed a sporting event, dance recital, theatre or band performance, church activity or big life event for her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Janie was a woman of deep faith and attended North Richland Baptist Church (now Cross Church) and later The Hills Church during her years in North Richland Hills.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dot and Butch Shelton; her brother, Raymond; and her husbands, John Taylor and Bailey Corbett Jr.

She leaves behind her daughter, Wendy Janvier, and her husband, Chris Janvier; her son, William ‘Rip’ Taylor, and his wife, Lisa Hall. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Emily Riley and Samuel Janvier, and her great-granddaughter, Ella Riley, who brought her so much joy. Janie’s legacy continues through numerous nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends whose lives she touched over the years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Suzy Taylor, Paula Neighbors, Suzanne Smith, Sue Atilano, and Yolanda Ramos for their love and support during this difficult time. They also wish to thank Dr. David Martin and the entire team at DaVita Dialysis in Hurst, Dr. Henrik Illum and the staff at Texas Oncology, as well as the compassionate caregivers at Home Instead and Universal Home Health and Hospice, for their exceptional care and dedication.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2nd from 6 PM to 8 PM at Bluebonnet Hills. A celebration of Janie’s life will take place on Friday, October 3rd at Cross Church at 10:30 AM. A private burial will be held Saturday, October 4th at Bluebonnet Hills.