Jan Strohauer

December 14, 1958 – October 12, 2026

Jan Maria Brewer Strohauer, known to so many as Mama, Mama Jan, or Mama J, passed away in her home on October 12, 2026.

Jan was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 14, 1958, and moved to Hollywood, Florida, when she was about ten years old. This is where she grew up, raised her family, and spent most of her life. On July 21, 1979, she married Daniel Edward Strohauer, and together they shared 47 years of marriage.

Jan spent most of her career working for Southern Bell and BellSouth, where she was able to retire young and spend time with her family and beloved pets.

More than anything, Jan was the person everyone called. If you needed something, had a problem, or just needed someone to talk to, she was there. Over the years, she opened her home to so many who needed a place to stay. It didn’t matter if you were family or a friend; if you needed somewhere to go, there was a place for you. She was a safe place for so many people, and her home was always one where people knew they were welcome.

That’s what made her Mama to so many. She wasn’t just a mom to her three children; she became Mama, Mama Jan, or Mama J to so many others along the way. Family wasn’t just about being related. It was about the people you loved, showed up for, and made room for in your life. Jan did that for so many people, and she will be missed by more people than she probably ever realized.

And then there were her pets. Chanel and Rex to name just a few of so many. She treated her pets like members of the family, and in her later years would spend most of her days in her backyard with her beloved Rex as he patrolled the area to keep her safe. You couldn’t go near Mama without getting his approval first.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte and Leonard “Pete” Brewer; her brother, Charles Michael Brewer; her granddaughter, Violet Ray Strohauer; and her brothers-in-love, Donald and Dennis Strohauer.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 47 years, Daniel; her sister, Traci; her aunt, Janice; and her three children, Justin (Jenn), Jessica (Richie), and Danielle (Corey). She is also survived by her bonus son, James (Tammy); her grandchildren, John, Zachary, and Ella; her bonus grandchildren, Payton and Jack; her nieces, Morgan and Taylor; and many other family members and bonus family members who were lucky enough to have her in their lives.

There is no way to put into words how much Jan will be missed. She was the person everyone could turn to, the one people called, and the one who made room for others when they needed it most. There will be so many moments when we will want to pick up the phone and call her, share something with her, or just hear her voice. Those are the moments that will be the hardest.

Jan leaves behind a family and so many others who loved her, memories that will never be forgotten, and a legacy of making people feel safe, loved, and welcome.

She will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be Mama.