Jan Morris Echols

Jan Morris Echols, 75, of Fort Smith, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Fort Smith. She was born June 24, 1941 to the late Richard Troy Morris and Ina Delle Martin Morris. She was the oldest of four children, and is survived by her sister, Karen Morris Sharp (spouse William A. "Buster" Sharp Jr.), sister, Teresa Morris Thornton; and brother, Greg Richard Morris (spouse Donna V. Morris).

Jan graduated from Hartman High School and attended the University of the Ozarks. She was the co-owner of JanDelle's, a fashion boutique in Clarksville, AR, with her mother, Ina Delle Morris, from 1960-1972. During her tenue as a sales person at KWHN, she met and married the love of her life, the late William Joseph Echols, Jr. on November 7, 1970. Together, they lived a full life, traveling the world as Bill competed in skeet shooting. Bill had two children, Julia Echols Bell and William J. Echols, III, both of whom Jan helped raise.

Jan loved to entertain and was a fantastic hostess. The stories of the parties she and Bill hosted are legendary. She has worked tirelessly raising money for different charities in and around Fort Smith, most notably was her participation in Diamonds and Denim, a gala fundraiser for the Fort Smith Art Center. Jan was a nurturer, giver and a caretaker of her friends, family, and her beloved dog, Dinah Sue. She was a gourmet cook, expert knitter specializing in exotic yarns, and a seasoned traveler. Florida, Maine and New Orleans were some of her favorite places. Jan loved interior design, designing and remodeling numerous homes in Fort Smith and Eureka Springs. In her later years, she discovered a passion for painting and became an artist residing in Eureka Springs. Jan adored her nieces and nephews, while in turn, they all adored her.

She is survived by her nieces, Nicole Sharp West (spouse William B. West), Kelsey Sharp Ellis (spouse Jason L. Ellis) and Tiffany Thornton; her nephews, Richard Cole Thornton (spouse Veronica K. Thornton), Garrett Morris, and Nathan Morris, in addition to four great-nieces and three great-nephews. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley Bell, Lauren Bell, William J. Echols IV, and Mary Kathrine Echols and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be William B. West, Jason Ellis, Garrett Morris, Nathan Morris, Jerry Lowell and Craig Brown.

The family with visit with friends Thursday evening from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to Abilities Unlimited, 3305 Kibler Road, Van Buren, AR 72956.