Jane Elizabeth Knox Deupree

Jane Elizabeth Knox Deupree, 85, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016, surrounded by her loving family in her beloved Colleyville home where she had resided for over 50 years. She has now been received into her heavenly home where she was welcomed by Our Lord.

Memorials: The family requests memorial donations be sent to Metroport Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 204, 428 N. Hwy 377, Roanoke, Texas, 76262.

Jane Elizabeth, the oldest offspring of Roy Knox and Rella Dodson Knox, was born at home on the family farm in Cleveland, Tenn., on July 17, 1931. She resided in rural Tennessee until her father accepted a job working in the new "secret city" of Oak Ridge during World War II. After high school, Jane attended Tennessee Wesleyan until she was recruited to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Jane made the most of the years that she spent living in our nation's capital by visiting museums and monuments and attending both of President Eisenhower's inaugurations.

After prompting by one of her roommates, Jane reluctantly agreed to go on a blind date with a USN sailor, Joe Deupree, who was on leave from his post in Newfoundland. Jane often said that she immediately knew there was something different about Joe, and their courtship unfolded through heartfelt letters transcribed over the next two years. After a long distance engagement, Jane and Joe married and embarked on an incredible 57-year journey.

Early in their marriage, they traveled extensively for his career and lived in 48 locations in 12 states. During this time, daughters, Karen and Kathy, were born. Joe and Jane purchased property in Colleyville and in 1965, they built their lifelong home. Their son, Kelvin, was born shortly thereafter.

Jane quickly became involved in activities in Colleyville. She started her own business called the Colleyville Welcoming Service in 1972. Jane and her business partner visited new Colleyville residents and welcomed them to the city. She also became involved in the Colleyville Garden Club, the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce, and various school volunteer activities. In 1978, she was awarded the first Colleyville Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Jane later coordinated the establishment of the Colleyville Newcomers' Club, now Colleyville Woman's Club. In 1997, Jane was honored to receive a "Shining Star" Award from the Northeast Tarrant County Chamber of Commerce for her volunteer efforts. This award was presented by first lady of Texas, Laura Bush.

Jane was a lifelong Baptist, who was active in church her entire life and was admired for the many years she taught the fifth-grade Sunday school class. Additionally, she was an active volunteer in many areas of her church, including vacation Bible school and women's ministries.

Above all else, Jane was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She delighted in caring for her family and truly had the heart of a servant. Jane was an extraordinary homemaker. She loved to garden and grew numerous varieties of vegetables and fruits that she later prepared for her family and friends. Entertaining family and friends at their home was one of her greatest pleasures in life. Over the years, she hosted countless gatherings and always made everyone feel welcome and at home.

Throughout the years, Jane held several part-time jobs, including serving as the church secretary at First Baptist Church of Colleyville, using her skills in floral design at Colleyville Florist, and later working as a hostess with the Grapevine Convention and Visitors' Bureau, a position she held for more than 20 years. As a result of her service, Jane was presented with the Key to the City of Grapevine.

From the first time she traveled to Canada as a high school student, Jane discovered a love of travel and continued to explore the world throughout her life. Early travels included trips to Cuba and Bermuda in her 20s followed by many family camping trips across the U.S. She took great pride in accomplishing her goal of visiting all 50 states, as well as the majority of the Canadian provinces.

After raising their family, Jane and Joe delighted in traveling abroad and visited more than 75 countries on six continents. They had many traveling companions throughout the years who shared their sense of adventure. She cherished family trips with her husband, children, and grandchildren especially when they all traveled to her beloved home state of Tennessee.

Jane's family would like to acknowledge the following individuals: dear friend, Lila Coley for her love, companionship, and many rides to church; Jane's physician, Dr. Harish K. Dhingra and staff for his compassionate care. Words cannot express our gratitude for the gentle, loving, and attentive care provided by Arianne Fazila, who we now consider as family. The family is also grateful for additional care provided by Lucy Mwangi.

Survivors: Jane is survived by her loving husband, Joe M. Deupree; daughter, Karen Deupree Moore and husband, Tim, grandsons, Charlie and Joey, of Seymour, Tenn.; daughter, Kathy Deupree Langley and husband, Dale, grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew and Elizabeth, of Austin; and son, Kelvin Joe Deupree and wife, Amie, grandsons, Zane and Bryce, of North Richland Hills. She also leaves behind her brother, Roy Knox of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sister, Mary Knox Strege and husband, Bob, of Knoxville, Tenn.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jane and Joe were blessed to have many dear friends throughout the years, including all of the members of the Saints Sunday School Class.