Jane Ellen Farris

April 28, 1945 - December 17, 2022

Jane Ellen Farris, 77, of Beaumont, died Saturday, December 17, 2022. She was born on April 28, 1945, to Eunice Deverd Bean Muirhead and James Miller Muirhead, in Beaumont.

Janie lived a life of compassion and selflessness, finding joy in helping others with a quiet determination, strength, and radiant smile. She attended Lamar University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and graduated with a degree in education, going on to teach for over 30 years. She was also an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Janie had a great sense of humor, laughing at the jokes her devoted husband told repeatedly during their 55 years together. She loved spending time with others and truly shared in their happiness. She brought light and joy to any gathering.

While it was not her favorite task, Janie spent hours sewing costumes for her daughter’s ballet recitals. She delighted in watching Julie performing on stage and seeing how proud she was wearing the sparkling costumes her mom made for her. This exemplifies her dedication to her family and children who, thanks to their mother, can identify every species of penguin, her favorite bird.

Throughout her life, Janie had a passion for teaching and learning, instilling that love in her own  children and countless students who, as adults, stopped her around town to express their appreciation. Her love of nature came through in her teaching as she let her students learn through experiences on field trips to places like the Big Thicket. She loved geology, plants, and especially birds, which is an unsurprising reflection of her fun-loving, free spirit. She spent time birdwatching and found great joy seeing the migrating birds that grace the region twice a year. She loved life and was in awe of nature and all its beauty and wonder.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Farris; children, Julie Farris Wallace and her husband, Chris, of Houston and Jay Farris of Tokyo, Japan; sisters, Lynda Filler of Trophy Club, Texas and Margaret Bennett of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service for Janie will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Please wear a mask. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Fertitta, George Capiton, Dan Karnicki, Matthew Nosek, P.T. Kojak, Bruce Burnside, and David Heilman. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-donate online or The National Audubon Society ATTN: Donations 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10014-donate online.

The family would like to extend particular gratitude to her caregivers for the care and compassion they showed toward Janie and the family during her long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Video

Download Program

Memorial Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • January 7, 2023
  • 10:30 am

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • January 7, 2023
  • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Comments (17)

    John Johnson says:

    Jack and family,

    I am very sorry to learn of Janie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

    Marty Ener Fazand says:

    So very sorry to hear today about Janie’s passing in December. Very upsetting! Janie & I were childhood friends when we were in elementary in the ‘50’s. And, although we went to school together all the way through college, our paths went different ways. However, I will always remember Janie being such a sweet & beautiful girl. After reading her obituary, I concluded she had a life just as I would have expected – sweet, loving, devoted to her family & friends. I know Janie has left a beautiful legacy & she & Jack had a beautiful life together. God Bless Jack & all their family & friends.

    Randy Trahan says:

    Dear Jack, so sorry to hear about Janie’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I always enjoyed being with the two of you. May she Rest In Peace.

    Justin Farinella says:

    Jack and family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Janie’s passing. We didn’t know she was ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace knowing she is no longer suffering. May she rest in God’s loving peace.

    Justin and Pam Farinella

    Charles Crim says:

    Jack, Charles Crim here. I’m in Nashville. When I saw Farris I thought….and sure enough. I was talking to a lady years ago whose husband had passed after 62 years of marriage. I said “boy that’s a long time”. She took my hand and patted it and said “Wasn’t nearly long enough”. And in the end seems the loss is difficult no matter how long it lasted. Obviously you both made a great choice of each other and lived it out well.

    Wanda. Kelley says:

    I am so sorry for your loss Jack & family. loved hearing the funny stories you & your Aunt Helen would tell. May the Lord give you peace in the coming days.

    Teri Kelley Nunez says:

    I had the honor of meeting Janie when we taught together at Pine Forest Elementary. I can’t ever remember a time that she wasn’t smiling. Her love for her students was evident not only in her teaching but also in her daily contact with her students. When Janie would have or see a student that was a little out of control, she would gently put her arm around that child, speak to them in her soft voice, and most of the time calm them down. The student would give her a hug and be own their way. . I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet her and work with her. She was a beautiful lady both inside and out. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

    Lois Wall says:

    Our love to you Jack, Julie, and Jay on the loss of your precious wife and mother. Janie’s radiant smile and love of life was contagious . Through her many years of teaching, she inspired so many young people. Her love of God and Trinity were evident through her years of service to the church and the Harvesters.
    May God comfort you0! Lois & Chuck Wall

    Peggy & Ronnie Scarborough says:

    Jack!
    Ronnie & I were just revisiting the story of how years ago Janie was perfectly cutting her last bite of steak and before she could eat it, you snatched it away with your fork and gobbled it down. I remember she would comically get mad all over again when your ‘standing room only’ audience laughed. Those were the days…best of days! We are sad for those left behind, but rejoicing Janie is sitting at the hem of our Savior’s garment free of pain. Much love & grace for you and the children.

    Judith Jones says:

    Jack I am so sorry for your loss. Janie’s family meant everything to her and she will be sorely missed. She was a kind, generous and loving person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    Susan+Simmons says:

    Love you Jack, we are so sad about Janie but thankful she isn’t suffering anymore. May God bring peace to you, Julie and Jay. She was so precious and will be greatly missed. Hugs and prayers. Susan and Jimmy

    Trish Keene-Green says:

    Jack ~ so very sorry for your loss. Prayers of peace and comfort beyond all understanding.

    Geraldine Lapham says:

    I met Jack and Janie through Trinity Methodist Church and the Harvester’s Sunday School class. They were just the nicest couple and complemented each other so well. I got to know Janie better when we were partners on the Altar Guild. Janie was always so nice to work with and I always looked forward to our time together. My condolences to all the family for your loss. It is hard for me to accept, and I cannot imagine how difficult it is on the family.

    BARBARA SANDERSON says:

    Janie was truly one of God’s special children; she is in his hands, free of pain. Jack, Julie, Jay, know that we loved her beyond measure. Our hearts are full of sorrow for you at this time.
    Cousin Barbara Sanderson

    Susan Shair says:

    My darling cousin, Janie…a wonderful wife, Mother, daughter, sister, teacher, Christian and friend to so many. You have touched so many hearts and lives and our world has been enriched by your presence.

    Kristi Sellers says:

    Eileen Nash called me today with the sad news about Janie. My heart goes out to you, Julie, and Jay. Seems like only yesterday we were young and kids were little. Just cannot believe she has passed. We have many happy memories with you guys back in your Silsbee days. Love you all and hope to see you January 7. You all are in my prayers for peace and comfort from our dear Heavenly Father. Kristi Sellers

    mary+beth+cloninger says:

    Oh Jack, we are grieving over this news about Janie. She was such fun to be with and a beautiful person inside and out. Please be consoled knowing that your friends are praying for you and that happy memories will always be with you. Love, Mary Beth and Gerald

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