Jane Vandiver Hobin

Heaven glowed even brighter when Marjorie Jane Vandiver Hobin entered into His presence on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with her two children, Marsha and Pat by her side. She was born on November 20, 1927, in Turnersville, Texas, a small rural town approximately thirty-nine miles southwest of Waco. She was the youngest of four children and was always called “baby” by her father. Jane was raised in a home where faith in Jesus Christ was not just spoken of but faithfully lived out. Prior to her Senior Year in High School, Jane and her parents moved to Itasca, Texas so that her parents could be “house parents” at the Presbyterian Children’s Home. Suddenly she shared a room with four girls in need of a loving home. Jane never complained about suddenly sharing her parents with virtual strangers! She had a wonderful experience at Itasca High School and was even elected Homecoming Queen!

Jane went off to college in Denton, Texas. It was a one-year experience because in September of 1946 she and her parents returned to Turnersville for a community reunion. It was there that Jane reconnected with Kyle Hobin, a childhood friend. They were married on July 3, 1947, a marriage that lasted almost 75 years, as Kyle passed away at 101 on March 31, 2022. They truly lived out the biblical admonition for marriage of “love and respect.” Jane beautifully supported Kyle and his work at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the Executive Administrator, an all-encompassing job for 35 years.

Jane and Kyle were surrounded by incredible friends who showered them with love and kindness. So many of them are deceased but Marsha and Pat keep them close in their hearts.

Jane was the consummate mother to her two children, Marsha, and Pat Every meal was thoughtfully prepared. She had such a sweet heart of serving. The family time around the table was always so special and was often followed by a game of dominoes. Jane always displayed a spirit of love for her family and friends.

As Marsha and Pat grew older Jane took a part-time job as a Pre-K teacher at The Day School at Highland Park Pres. She loved the role and related beautifully to the preschoolers. She truly found her calling. Years later it was not uncommon for people to approach Marsha and Pat to tell them how much they loved having Mrs. Hobin as their teacher.

Jane was an excellent seamstress. When Marsha was preparing to marry Steve, she asked her mom to make her wedding dress. It was an exquisite labor of love. She made most of Marsha’s clothing as a child and the beautiful lace Baptism dress that her grandchildren and most of her great grandchildren have worn.

Jane was affectionately called “Mama Jane” by her grandchildren. She and Kyle were an amazing support to the three Williamson boys and the three Hobin girls. They were always available but never intrusive. Her grandchildren called her meals “Prison Food” as a joke because they loved it so much! Mama Jane prepared the Sunday lunch for the entire family every Sunday and always set a beautiful table with flowers, china, silver, and fine linens. She made every special occasion extra special. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds. Her warm affection always made you feel like a million dollars.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Lee Vandiver, her sweet husband Kyle and dear grandson Scott. She is survived by Marsha and her husband Steve, Pat and his wife Emily, as well as her five grandchildren (Logan Williamson and his wife Amanda, Kirk Williamson and his wife Ally, Katherine Piasecki and her husband Nathanael, Sarah Jane Hobin, and Grace Staley and her husband Blake) and seven great grandchildren (Emma and Kyle Williamson, Elliott and Matille Williamson, Norah, Stephan and Katherine Jane [named after her great grandmother] Piasecki, and Eliza, Blair, Farrah and Tori Staley). She has been the Matriarch to a host of nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. The family is so grateful for the care Mama Jane received at the Hillcrest House. Special thanks to Needmore, Anastasia and Joy. We believe based on the Word of God that Mama Jane is fully healed and worshipping with great delight her Heavenly Father. For that we are truly thankful!

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 24th at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd, Dallas 75205 with a Reception to follow. Donations to The Day School at Highland Park Pres. would honor Jane.