Janet Elvira Hoskins

Janet was born in Waco, Texas, to Robert and Elvira Hoskins. She went to elementary school through high school in Waco, TX, graduating from University High School in 1965. She continued her education by attending Baylor University, earning degrees in English and History in 1969. She also returned to school later in life to earn her Master's Degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). After graduating from Baylor, she moved to Temple and began her teaching career at Travis Middle School where she taught history and English/language arts for 43 years. Janet loved teaching; it literally was her life. She particularly enjoyed teaching the novels Watership Down and The Diary of Anne Frank. Anyone who knew Janet knew she loved and collected all things rabbit; this love began from teaching Watership Down. After retiring from education, Janet did some private tutoring in the language arts field and even worked at Kumon for a few years. Janet was very giving and would do anything she was able to for her friends and family. She loved socializing with her friends and loved visiting her family, particularly her nephews Matthew Davis and Drew Davis. Janet loved to read and also loved watching any Baylor University sport on television. Janet touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sister, Roxie Davis, her brother-in-law Dan Davis, her nephew Dr. Drew Davis, her nephew Matthew Davis and his wife Lesley, grandnephew Ethan and grandniece Lily. Janet loved her nephews Matthew and Drew as if they were her own children, and Ethan and Lily became the grandchildren she never had.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all her friends who kept in touch and helped her these last few years. Specifically, Carol Killen was invaluable for everything she did for Janet, from taking her to doctor’s appointments to getting her daily mail. We cannot thank her enough. Additionally, Reba Rogers, a life-long friend from high school days, stayed in touch by chatting with her every day and also taking her to doctor’s appointments. Lynn Pollack, Martha Deeringer, and Sharon Schneider also kept in close contact with her. Lastly, we want to thank cousin Dana Renschler, cousin Cassy Burleson, and all the others who called or visited her. Janet loved you all and valued your friendships.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Thursday night, May 18th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. A graveside service will also be held at the LaSalle Cemetery in Groesbeck, TX, at 11 a.m. the morning of Friday, May 19th.