Janice W. Hanson

Janice Wheeler Hanson was born to Arthur and Martha Wheeler in Los Angeles, California on May 22nd, 1936. Jan attended Scripps College in Claremont, CA and graduated from the University of Southern California. Jan was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gama sorority at USC.

Jan taught fourth grade for eight years in southern California. Her love of teaching served her well in later years as she taught Vacation Bible School and on a short-term missionary trip to Belize. She also worked with children for the Red Cross for several years prior to being married.

It was the Red Cross uniform that caught the eye of the love of her life, Herrick “Buzz” Hanson. They were married for thirty-nine years before his passing in 2005. Their marriage was meant to be and their passion for hospitality proved to be very important in the future. She and Buzz were proprietors of “The Little Inn on the Bay”, a bed and breakfast in Newport Beach, California. Being in the hospitality business allowed opportunities to travel as a family in the states and abroad.

Jan valued and maintained lifelong friendships with those she grew up with in California. She would make yearly trips to Palm Desert and Newport Beach to stay with friends. Her interests centered around caring for her family and volunteering in various charitable organizations. She served as a member of the National Charity League, Junior League, Philharmonic Society, and the Investment Club.

In later years, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be closer to their oldest daughter and husband. Jan was an integral part of the community at Tandy Village Assisted Living, where she worked as the receptionist for over twenty-five years. She was beloved by the staff and residents alike.

Her Christian faith was foundational all throughout her life. Jan was a deacon at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in California. Once she moved to Texas, she was a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and served in the greeter’s ministry. Jan will always be remembered for her patient, kind, and joyful spirit. She demonstrated graciousness towards others and had a heart of gratitude.

Jan is survived by her oldest daughter, Pauline Palm and her son-in-law, Chris Palm of Arlington, Texas. Her younger daughter Anne Hanson, lives in Orange County, California.

Jan will be interred at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.