Jane Evalyn Bookout

Jane Newsom Bookout, beloved wife, mother and nana, passed to the loving Kingdom of Heaven on March 2, 2021, at the age of 81. Jane was born in Amarillo, Texas to Ethel and Guy Newsom. She had many stories to tell of growing up on the farm as the only “baby girl” with three older brothers. After graduating from Hereford High School, Jane attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Here she fell in love with the man she would wed in 1960, Norman Bookout. Their marriage was a a testament of their commitment and devotion over many decades, as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last December.

Their respect and admiration for each other created a loving home in which to raise a family. They had two daughters before moving to Austin, Texas in 1972. Besides being a loving wife and mother, Jane also balanced a successful real estate career. As with everything, she showed unmatched personal caring to every client, and endless support of her peers, creating many special friendships along the way. She retired with great excitement when her first grandchild was born.

Jane has four granddaughters, two grandsons and a great-granddaughter who were the light of her life. These young women and men have countless memories of their time with their Nana who was always ready to get down on the floor and play, shoot baskets or make a fun mess in the kitchen just to see them smile. She never missed a birthday, recital, or sporting event.

When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren, Jane and Norman traveled the world. As soon as one trip ended, they were planning the next. Cruising was their favorite, with 19 cruises in the history books. Their last cruise was a trip to Hawaii where they renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary. Jane was also a beautiful pianist, avid bridge player, talented gardened, and meticulous homemaker. She had an eye for decorating with just the right touches. Every meal she prepared was delicious and served on a well-set table. Most of all she enjoyed time with her friends and family. Everyone she knew was welcome, included, and celebrated. She was a true Texas lady in every sense of the word.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Guy Newsom and her brothers Carroll and John Newsom. She will be deeply missed by surviving family members: her husband, Norman Bookout; her brother Wayne Newsom and sister-in-law Pat Newsom; sisters-in law Ruth Newsom and Ling Newsom; daughters Dana Bookout Craig and Kristi Bookout Hall; sons-in-law Tom Craig and Ben Hall; granddaughters Courtney Craig, Kelsey Craig Spencer, Heather Wooley and Sarah Hall; grandsons Ryan and Austin Hall; grandson-in-law, Blake Spencer; great-granddaughter Blakely Spencer.

Jane valiantly battled Alzheimer’s disease for many years. There will be a private memorial in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). We take comfort knowing she is at peace in Heaven and we will all be reunited again. We have been blessed with her presence in our lives. She will live on in our hearts and in our memories of wonderful traditions, life lessons, and the kindness and love she had for others.