Jill Jost Allen

Born on September 27, 1938 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Jill is survived by her daughter, Kim Nabors, and son-in-law, Mike Nabors; granddaughters, Rachel and Kaylyn Nabors; son, Todd Allen, and daughter-in-law, Starla Allen; and grandson, Trevor Allen. Also left behind to mourn her is her long-time beau, Jim Saul, along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Loyd Jost (US Army – Ret.) and Gladys Jost; and her sister, Jean Donley.

Jill graduated from Marlin High School in Marlin, Texas in 1956. She took her love of marching band with her to Texas Tech University where she was the first female tuba player in the college’s history. She was even featured on the cover of the Texas Techsan alumni magazine in uniform with her tuba. Additionally, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In 1960, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

After more than a decade teaching primarily 3rd and 4th grade reading, Jill returned to college and earned a Master’s degree in Education from East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University) in 1980. She spent the majority of her remaining career as a high school counselor in the Waco and Houston areas. She also worked in special education, adult correctional services, and was a substitute teacher.

Jill was a proud member of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, serving at the district and state levels during her 25+ year membership. She gave numerous newspaper and television interviews throughout the years recounting her family’s experience. On December 5, 2015, she was the keynote speaker at the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Ceremony aboard the Battleship Texas. Several years later, a multipage article in the Texas Techsan featured the roles of Jill and her sister, mother and Army Captain father on that fateful day in 1941.

Jill had a zest for life. From the 1970s through the 1990s, she snow skied in New Mexico and Colorado as often as she could. She enjoyed competing and won a few medals in NASTAR downhill racing events. In the summertime, she could be found out on the lake boating with friends and family. Her lifelong passion was cheering for the Texas Tech Red Raiders both in football and basketball. She also loved the Houston Texans and the Rockets, and was always up for a watch party.

Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas on Saturday, February 1st at 11:00 am with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the American Brain Foundation or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.