Janice Leone Bilo

Jan was born to Foy Horace “Doodle” and Eva Huneycutt Harper in El Dorado on August 6, 1961. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son Joshua Bilo; mother-in-law Carol Ann Bilo; father-in-law Eugene (Gene) Bilo Sr.; brother Walter Harper “Doodle Jr.”; and sister-in-law Faye Briggs.

A lifelong resident of El Dorado, Jan excelled in school graduating from El Dorado High School where she was Captain of the Cheerleaders, a member of Junior Civitans and Campfire Girls of America, a Key Club Calendar Girl, Who’s Who, and attended Girls State. Most notably, she was elected as the 1979 Homecoming Queen. She was the epitome of popular, envied by the girls and pursued by the boys. Everyone she met wanted to be her friend.

Admired for her beauty, Jan was known in the 70s for her Farrah Fawcett hairstyle and the smell of Herbal Essence. She was a social butterfly who lit up the room when arrived, and was the life of the party. Jan never met a stranger and could talk to anyone and everyone, about anything. If the music was playing, she was dancing, singing, and laughing.

Following high school, Jan attended the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and pursued a degree in marketing.

Next came work, marriage, and children. Jan loved being a mom. She spent her days working at the family business, in between chauffeuring children to and from school, dance, sports, Campfire, Cub Scouts and play dates. For nearly forty years, Jan worked countless hours at the store, much of that time with her children or grandchildren running around the store or playing in the back room. Driving along Northwest Avenue, passersby often honked their horns when seeing Jan’s head sticking out of the drive through window.

Jan loved her family immeasurably. Her children and grandbabies were her world, and she was theirs. Spending time with her family at the beach or lake, boating, swimming, skiing, fishing, hunting, and watching sunsets were her favorite thing to do.

Jan served on the Altar Guild at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and was a member of the El Dorado Service League, both in which she continued her lifetime of service to others.

There was a special place in her heart for her beloved Razorback football, basketball, and baseball teams. If you knew Jan and ever went to Oaklawn Race Track, you may have seen her sitting in the family box, or out on the lawn, cheering on her favorite horses.

Jan will be sorely missed by her family, friends, church members, and the class of 1979. She was, is, and always will be our Reigning Queen Jan.

Survivors include her husband Eugene Bilo, Jr. (Beege), daughter Annie Blair Bilo of Little Rock, son Brandon Bilo (Courtney) of El Dorado, brother Tony Briggs of Smackover, and grandchildren Barrett, Brooks, Blayke, Beau, and Shepherd, along with many extended family.

A very special shoutout goes to Tracy Dupre who started out as a part time helper to Jan, but quickly took on the lead role following Jan’s sudden hospitalization. The love, care, compassion, and support she has shown to Jan and her family is priceless.

Thanks to Jan’s caregivers and sitters for the many hours spent at the hospital keeping her company and rearranging her pillows. They will never know how much it meant to her. To the store employees who stepped up to keep things running, thank you for not only being good employees, but for being great people. Jan loved you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Magdalene House at 525 N. Madison Ave. or St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of El Dorado at 512 Champagnolle Rd.

A service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held Wednesday, November 4th at 1:00 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, with Rev. Charles Chapman officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Young's Funeral Directors.