She was born February 13, 1954, to James Patton and Marjorie (Seabaugh) Davis in Harlingen and was a proud lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley. She spent many summers and days at her grandmother’s house and had fond memories of Mama Seabaugh and the time spent with cousins. Her family moved to McAllen where she graduated from McAllen High School and enjoyed seeing classmates recently at their 50th high school reunion.
She met her husband John, who she frequently called “Dear”, at Pan American University, now known as UTRGV. Together she and John raised three daughters: Jessica, Jamie, and Jill. When her youngest daughter was three years old, she started teaching preschool, which brought her great joy and allowed her to be active in her daughters’ many activities and sporting events. She taught primarily PreK for many years in McAllen and Edinburg and had an impact on so many. Kids loved Ms. Jan, and parents would frequently request to have their kids in her class as she truly made learning fun and was one of the most creative teachers we knew. Who wouldn’t want to paint with a squid? She kept in contact with many of the families and would attend events she was invited to.
As her girls were growing up, she always made her home a place that was open and welcoming to all our friends and more, especially on Christmas Eve, which always included tamales and lots of laughter. I think we lost count of the number of fourth daughters she adopted. She never met a stranger and loved to tell stories. She loved to read and passed her love of reading and books on to her daughters and grandchildren. You rarely saw her without one of her favorite things…Dr. Pepper!
Jan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993 and bravely battled the disease for nearly 30 years. She participated in National MS Society events and local MS groups, ministering to others diagnosed with the disease. Despite the many challenges she faced with MS, you would rarely hear her complain.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Morris; Daughters, Jessica (Jonathan) Brown, Jamie (Michael) Crivello and Jill (Scott) Batley; grandchildren, Meredith and Connor Brown, Caroline Crivello, Taryn Tiffee, and C.J. Batley. Jan is also survived by her sister, Mary Helen Mussey, and many cousins, neighbors and friends she dearly loved.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marjorie Davis.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jan’s memory to: National MS Society or a charity of your choice.
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