Jan Boland

Born on October 19, 1942, in Bristol, Virginia, Jan was the daughter of the late Charles and Maxie Hutson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Joe Boland; her children, Jennifer Hancock and husband Allen of Wilmington, NC; Tom Boland and wife Heather of Portland, OR; her sister, Teresa Hutson of Asheville, NC; and her beloved grandchildren, Tyler Boland, Tegan Boland, and Matthew Hancock. She was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Hutson.

Jan’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with creativity, curiosity, and love. An artist for as long as she could remember, she pursued her passion for drawing and painting at East Tennessee State University, where she earned a degree in Fine Art. After college, she taught art in Massachusetts public schools, inspiring her students with her love for creativity.

Her artistic journey took a new direction when she became Director of the Krempp Gallery at the Jasper Community Arts Center in Indiana — a role she often described as a time of great personal and professional growth.

In 2000, Jan and Joe retired to southeastern North Carolina, where she found new inspiration in the coastal landscape and artistic community. It was here that she discovered her love of pastels, a medium she described as an extension of her fingertips. Known for her expressive use of color and texture, Jan’s pastel works earned her numerous awards and recognition. She was an active member of many art organizations, including the Associated Artists of Southport, Artisans on Howe, Oak Island Art Guild, Brunswick Arts Council, Southeastern NC Pastel Painters, Appalachian Pastel Society, and the NC Pastel Society.

Beyond her art, Jan was deeply devoted to her family. She took joy in creating lasting memories through thoughtful details — from handmade Halloween costumes and themed birthday cakes to her famous sticky buns. She was known as the “favorite aunt” among her extended family and the life of every gathering. Jan never met a stranger. Her warmth, humor, and genuine curiosity about others’ lives made her a cherished friend to many across the places she lived — from Kingsport, TN, to Warrington, PA, Westfield, MA, Jasper, IN, and finally Southport/St. James, NC.

An adventurer at heart, Jan loved to travel — whether it was family ski trips, beach vacations with lifelong friends, or exploring new destinations with Joe across Europe and North America.

Jan will be remembered for her boundless creativity, her kindness, her laughter, and her love of life. She made the world brighter — not only through her art, but through the way she cared for others.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation in memory of Jan Boland or to the Jan Boland Memorial Fund with the Associated Artists of Southport at https://form.jotform.com/252805669096166

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.