Janice Elaine Perkins was called into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, February 13, 2024; she was seventy-six-years-old. Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Perkins; mother, Franchie Lee Cowan; father, Clayton Forrest Cowan; step-mother, Inez Cowan; brother Michael Cowan; daughter-in-love, Dolena Eaves; and great-grandson, Wesson Michael Eaves.

Jan is survived by her son, Jeffrey Allen Eaves, of Arizona; step-daughter, Sanora (Perkins) Brunswik and husband Jurgen, of Houston, Texas; son Eric Clayton Eaves and his wife Corri, of Spring, Texas; grandchildren: Matthew Lucas and wife Laura; Amber Kacal and husband Kyle; Jake Eaves and wife Jordan; Michael Lucas; Jessica Eaves; Katherine Eaves; Clayton Eaves; Meryl May Eaves; great-grandchildren: Rylee Michele Eaves; Kacey Kacal and Kylie Kacal; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jan was born in Modesto, California on April 5, 1947, to Clayton and Franchie Cowan.  Her family moved to Pryor, Oklahoma when she was a year and a half old.  Jan attended a little country school until 1962, where she then transferred to Pryor High School.  After high school, she attended Northeastern State College at Tahlequah where she met and married Matthew Davis.  Together, they had their son, Jeffrey Allen.  Jan was later married to Edwin Eaves, in September of 1969.  The couple later welcomed their son, Eric Clayton Eaves.

On July 3, 1980, Jan married the love of her life, Jesse Perkins.  Jesse and Jan thoroughly enjoyed their traveling adventures from Thanksgivings in Big Bend to the silky shores of Hawaii. Jan's love of travel extended to her children, her grandchildren, and her friends…especially her friend, Debi.

Jan met her dear friend Debi several years ago when they both lived at Elison Park Independent Living.  They were the best of friends.  The pair even traveled all the way to Ireland! Some of their more local outings included: shopping, spa days, and moving two more times until they landed at Paradise Springs.  Debi was a true friend to Jan, caring not only for her, but also her little Scottish Terrier, Beauregard, during her last days. They were the dynamic duo.

Jan also loved going to Las Vegas to celebrate! Her grandsons' 21st birthday trips were the best! Jan kept up with all the young 'uns and made sure everyone brought their A-Game! She even got a butterfly tattoo in memory of her great-grandson, Wesson, during her last trip in April of 2022.

Jan always loved to go "visiting." Her childhood friend, Glenda, was an especially bright spot.  The two first met in their small country school in Pryor.  That friendship stood the test of time and distance and lasted for a lifetime.  One of Jan's favorite trips to see her friend was for Glenda's surprise party at the Hard Rock Casino in Oklahoma.  Those gals were a hoot.  They were Thelma and Louise. Jan also loved attending the Pryor high school reunions.

Jan fondly remembered a fun quote from her mother, "Mama used to say that I might forget a boy, but never his car!"  Maybe that is where her love of large engines started. Subsequently, Jan had a long and successful career in innovative programs, such as:  aerospace, the Department of Defense, nuclear, and commercial industries.  Her expertise included overall quality, strategic planning, program management, and management training.  She worked for several firms which won excellence awards due to her leadership.

After retiring from Mustang Cat in Houston, Texas. Jan lived in many cities throughout her life, but resided in Conroe, Texas after her retirement.  This was when and where she was the happiest.  During this time, she became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for minors and thoroughly enjoyed being a voice for young children in difficult family situations.

Jan was so very proud of her boys Jeff and Eric; however, her greatest joy was time spent with her grandchildren.  She attended sporting events, school programs, high school graduations, college graduations, baptisms, confirmations, birthday parties, & weddings.  Not only did Jan show up, but she was present. This was how Jan lived in every aspect of her life.

She became fast friends with her next-door neighbors Richard and Midge Wagner who brightened up her days.  Jan spoke often and enthusiastically about the latest things Richard and Midge were up to.  The Wagner's were truly the hands and feet of Jesus to Jan in her final days on this earth.  Whenever she spoke of them, she beamed with joy.  She looked forward to all the meals and conversations she shared with them.

Everyone who met Jan, loved her.  Someone once said she was a force to be reckoned with, which is spot on.  She sparkled and jingled everywhere she went. She loved crafts, needle work, and took every opportunity to bling up, bedazzle, and bejewel anything and everything that would stand still! She truly sparkled everywhere she went from her bangle bracelets, dangling earrings, big chunky flashy necklaces, and sparkling rings.  She was the queen of accessories. However, her greatest accessory was her smile. She always had a smile on her face, even when she was suffering and in pain.  She had a strength like no other woman.

Jan claimed many names and titles over the years: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Niece, Mom, Aunt Jan, Grandma, Grandma Great, Janice & Jan. Whatever title she answered to here on earth, none was more beautiful than Child of God.

Jan, you will be sorely missed. Though you have left an incredible vacancy in our hearts, we know that one day, we will see you again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesson's Wish .