Jan Fulton

Born on June 29, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, Janet was the beloved daughter of the late L.R. and Helen James. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul James, and her sister, Kathie Bryan. She leaves behind her daughters, Kate Mathews and her husband, David, and Julia Fulton and her partner, Nosa; and her beloved grandchildren, William Jacob and his fiancée, Rylie Prince, Lauren Elizabeth, and Julia Claire.

Janet was a woman of remarkable intelligence, creativity, and wit. Her dedication to education began early. She graduated cum laude from Lufkin High School in 1959 and went on to earn a Bachelor and Master's Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1965. In 1983, she earned an Elementary Certification from Houston Baptist University, allowing her to pursue her passion for teaching young children.

Throughout her career, Janet touched the lives of countless students. She taught Public Speaking at Texas Lutheran College before returning to the elementary classroom with Spring Branch ISD. Her exceptional talent as an educator was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year at Hollibrook Elementary. Teaching was more than a profession for Janet—it was a calling, and she believed deeply in the ability of education to change lives.

Janet's talents and interests extended well beyond the classroom. As a high school student, she was an active member of the National Thespian Society and delighted in performing in skits and plays. Her love of theater remained with her throughout her life. After retirement, she volunteered as a seamstress for a local acting club in Katy, Texas, creating costumes that reflected her remarkable creativity and attention to detail.

She was also devoted to her community. Janet served as a Girl Scout troop leader and was an active member of St. Christopher's Church. She gave her time generously and found meaning in being involved with the people and organizations around her.

Janet had an extraordinary artistic spirit. She painted beautiful works in oils, watercolors, and other mediums, and she loved needlepoint and sewing. Her greatest joy in sewing often came from creating clothing for her children and grandchildren. Her hands were rarely still for long, and the things she made carried not only her skill but also her love.

An avid reader, Janet particularly enjoyed the mysteries of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Dorothy L. Sayers. Her sharp intellect and quick wit made her a lively conversationalist, and those who knew her will remember her ability to make them laugh, think, and see the world from a different perspective.

Above all, Janet was devoted to her family. She gave her children and grandchildren a lifetime of love, encouragement, creativity, and wisdom. Her influence will live on in the people she taught, the communities she served, the art she created, and, most of all, in the family she loved so deeply.

A service celebrating Janet's life will be held on August 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spring Branch Education Foundation in memory of Janet Fulton. Mail in donations may be sent to SBEF 955 Campbell Rd. Houston, TX 77024. Please include Hollibrook Elementary- In memory of Janet Fulton in the memo. This foundation honors Janet’s lifelong commitment to education by supporting students and educators.

Janet Elizabeth Fulton will be remembered for her brilliant mind, quick wit, creative spirit, generous heart, and boundless love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy measured not only in the lives she touched, but in the love, curiosity, confidence, and joy she inspired in others. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.