July 12, 1939 – October 28, 2026
Jan Emerson (Postlewate) was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by her selflessness, kindness, and devotion to those she loved. Above all else, she will be remembered as a caring woman who was always willing to put the needs of her family before her own.
Family was the center of Jan’s world, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. Some of her greatest blessings were the births of her children and grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. To many of her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Nana,” a name that reflected the special place she held in their hearts.
Jan graduated from Hot Springs High School with her high school diploma and went on to dedicate 32 years of service to the United States Forest Service. Her years of hard work and commitment were a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication.
Outside of work, she enjoyed traveling and watching murder mysteries. She also loved Mexican food and some of her favorite home-cooked foods, including fried potatoes, cornbread, and sliced tomatoes. Christmas was her favorite time of year, a season that brought family together and created memories she treasured.
Jan was a Christian and a longtime member of First Church of the Nazarene. Her faith and family were important parts of her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness that will continue through the generations.
She is survived by her husband, James Gerald Postlewate; her sons, Jeffrey Emerson (Elisabeta) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Brandon Emerson (Tina) of Benton, Arkansas; and her grandchildren, Carter Christian Emerson, Cade John-Jeffrey Emerson (Naomi), Peyton Peter-Brandon Emerson, and Jack Jeffrey Emerson and Luke Robert Emerson and many beloved grandchildren of the Pricop family, who knew and loved her as Nana Jan.
She is also survived by her brother, Rod McLain (Cheryl) of Alma, Arkansas, and her sister, Jill Merritt (Steve) of Jackson, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Johnny McLain Jr. and Joel “Freddie” McLain and her parents John and Mabel McLain.
-Pallbearers
Jeffrey Emerson, Brandon Emerson, Carter Emerson, Cade Emerson, Payton Emerson, William Morris and Kevin Wolf
-Honorary Pallbearers
Elite Hospice, Phyllis Stocker, Jack Emerson, Luke Emerson, The Pricop Family, US Forest Service, John and Becky Iron’s, Joey Mahoney and Wyatt Wolf.
Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched, the family she loved so dearly, and the countless memories made throughout her lifetime. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.
Memorials may be made to First Church of The Nazarene
Address – 3804 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913
In lieu of Flowers can be sent to Gross Funeral Home at 120 Wrights St, Hot springs 71913
Visitation – 11/03/2026 @ 6pm Gross Funeral Home
Service – 11/04/2026 @ 10am First Church of the Nazarene following Graveside at Memorial Gardens.
