Jana Wyant

August 25, 1932 – October 14, 2026

Jana Lou Wyant, a remarkable businesswoman, pioneering spirit, devoted wife, loving mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away on October 14, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 94.

Born on August 25, 1932, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Dena and Floyd Penny, Jana demonstrated extraordinary intelligence, ambition, and independence from an early age. She graduated from college at just 19 years old, completing her studies in an impressive two and a half years. During her academic years, she served as editor of her school newspaper and distinguished herself on stage, starring in theatrical productions. Her talent even earned her the opportunity to become an understudy for a Broadway production, but Jana chose instead to make her way to Dallas, Texas, where she would build her life and legacy.

Long before women's independence became a defining social movement, Jana was already living by its principles. Proudly describing herself as an “original women's liber", she was a woman of conviction who believed in forging her own path, making her own decisions, and never allowing the expectations of her time to define her possibilities.

First and foremost, Jana was an astute businesswoman. Beginning with little more than her intelligence, determination, and an unwavering belief in her own abilities, she built a remarkable career in the hospitality industry. From humble beginnings, she steadily grew her business ventures, ultimately achieving ownership of one of the largest hotels in the state of Texas. Her journey was a testament to her exceptional business acumen, entrepreneurial vision, and relentless work ethic. At a time when women faced considerable barriers in the business world, Jana established herself as a formidable hotelier and entrepreneur, earning success through her own ingenuity, perseverance, and sound judgment.

For all her professional accomplishments, one of the greatest joys of Jana's life was the love she shared with her husband, Fred E. Wyant. Married for 48 years, Jana and Fred were true soul mates, sharing a love that endured through the many chapters of their lives together. Their marriage was built on deep affection, companionship, and unwavering devotion to one another. When Fred passed away in 2000, Jana lost not only her husband but her lifelong partner and closest companion. She never remarried, and the love and memories they shared remained a cherished part of her life, a testament to a marriage that shaped nearly half a century of her remarkable journey.

Equally extraordinary was the relationship Jana shared with her son, David Mark Wyant Sr. More than mother and son, they were best friends, confidants, and longtime business partners. Throughout their many endeavors together, Mark looked to Jana as his most trusted adviser, valuing her wisdom, judgment, and remarkable instincts. Her opinion carried tremendous weight in his decisions, and their relationship was grounded in an uncommon depth of love, trust, and mutual admiration. Together, they shared not only the challenges and triumphs of business, but a friendship that remained among the most meaningful relationships of their lives.

Jana also took immense pride in her grandchildren, Sabrina Nicole Wyant and David Mark Wyant Jr., and was deeply invested in the people they would become. She spoke with them regularly, sharing the lessons, experiences, and hard-earned wisdom of her extraordinary life. Having forged her own path with courage and conviction, Jana was determined to instill in them that same fierce and independent spirit. She taught them to know their worth, stand firmly in their convictions, and never wait for permission to pursue their ambitions. Above all, she encouraged them not merely to seek a seat at the table, but to command one. Through her guidance and the example she set, Jana passed down a legacy of confidence, determination, and an unwavering belief in their ability to shape their own destinies.

Jana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred E. Wyant; her parents, Dena and Floyd Penny; and her brother, Michael Wade Penny.

She is survived by her son, David Mark Wyant Sr., and his wife, Lorenda Wyant; her grandchildren, Sabrina Nicole Wyant and her husband, Saahil Pasha, David Mark Wyant Jr., and Skylar Rivas; her loving partner, Tom Roop; her sister-in-law, Judi Penny; and her nieces, Patricia Anne Hansen, Stephanie Underwood, and Deion Penny.

Beyond her family, Jana's influence extended to the hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals whose lives intersected with hers throughout her decades in business. From colleagues and business associates to the countless people who worked alongside her over the years, her impact reached far beyond the walls of the hotels she owned. She will be remembered for the relationships she built, the opportunities she created, and the many lives she touched throughout her career.

Jana Lou Wyant lived a life defined by independence, intellect, ambition, love, and an unwavering determination to succeed on her own terms. She belonged to a generation in which women were often expected to follow a prescribed path, yet she never hesitated to chart her own. Her legacy lives on not only in the businesses she built, but in the family she guided, the people who sought her counsel, and the example she set of a life lived with purpose, confidence, and conviction.

She was a woman ahead of her time, and one who never needed permission to be so.