Janet “Jan” Gatlin Summers
MONTGOMERY, TX – Janet “Jan” Gatlin Summers passed away on May 7, 2021 in The Woodlands, Texas. She was born to Allen and Pauline Gatlin on August 14, 1952 in Henderson, Texas.
Jan studied at Kilgore Junior College and earned her Bachelor of Science – Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jan started her teaching career at A&M Consolidated ISD in College Station as an elementary music teacher, and one year later married her high school sweetheart Jimmy. They lived in College Station for three more years until he graduated from Texas A&M University. Jan & Jimmy then moved to Dickinson, Texas in 1978 where they set up their home and began establishing roots in the community. Jan continued her teaching career with Clear Creek ISD this time teaching Kindergarten. After taking time off to stay home and raise her two boys, she started back teaching in 1992 and had a long 26 year career teaching Music at Silbernagel Elementary in Dickinson. She touched the lives of so many students and staff members that walked the halls of Silbernagel and created many lifelong friendships. Jan was also the pianist for many years at Dickinson First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Dickinson, Highlands Baptist of LaMarque, and then finishing her accompanist career again at Dickinson First United Methodist Church. Her piano playing was truly a gift and a blessing to others. Jan had a love of all things Aggie. Although she did not graduate from Texas A&M, she was considered an honorary Aggie and loved attending Aggie Football games with her family.
Jan will be truly missed by all who knew her. She had the gift of making everyone feel special. She had such a contagious personality, incredible sense of humor and a caring spirit. Her loving heart made every encounter a blessing for those who crossed her path.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Paula Gatlin and Susan Gatlin Lundgren.
She leaves behind her loving husband and high school sweetheart of 45 years, Jimmy Summers; son David Summers and wife Buffy of Frisco, TX; son Craig Summers and wife Diane of Katy, TX; granddaughters Emileigh and Hayley Summers of Katy; Brother-in-law Steve Lundgren and Wife Diane; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers: David Summers, Craig Summers, David Odom, Steve Lundgren, Dr. James Pierce, Eric Torrence.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Harkreader, Bill Brown, Cliff Cano, and Gehrig Boone.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jan Summers Memorial Music Scholarship Fund through the Dickinson Education Foundation, P.O. Drawer Z, Dickinson, TX 77539.
Services:
A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 12 from 5:00-8:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson. A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be Thursday, May 13th at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson.
There will also be visitation held Sunday, May 16 from 3:00-5:00 pm at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson, TX with a graveside burial Monday, May 17th at 11:00 am at Concord Cemetery in Rusk County near Mt. Enterprise, TX.
Jimmy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Just so sad; I will miss sending her daily “updates” on the Royal Family.
Jimmy, David and Craig,
I am at a loss for words. Jan was like a second mom to me in high school. I am going to miss her smile and the beautiful music she played on the piano. I know she is looking down at you 3 men and has a BIG Jan smile. I love you guys and will always be here if you need anything.
Love,
The Trahan’s
Jimmy,
Losing your wife and life partner is a tragedy like no other. To have to say goodbye to the woman you loved for so long is heartbreaking. I’ve lived it and can tell you that only time will heal these wounds. Anytime you want to see her again you just have to close your eyes. You’ll hear that infectious laugh and see that welcoming smile she carried every time we saw each other. Her stories about you and her kids had me on the floor rolling at times. She loved her life so much with you all.
Bereavement is a long and painful process and so having family and friends to gather around and support you is essential. Keep them close to you always.
With deepest sorrow for you and your family’s loss,
Shaun Kelehan (Cindy’s nephew)
While I did not know Jan, I prayed for her healing every day, and for your family. What a beautiful love from high school through sickness and until she went to be with Jesus! Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
In His grace,
Teri Ware
Jan was an amazing person and talented pianist. Everyone who knew her loved her.
I taught with her at Silbernagel and Bay Colony and heard her beautiful music mesmerize like no other the congregation at Highlands Baptist Church, LaMarque, Texas. Jan’s absence breaks my heart. God must have needed a Special Angel and called her home. Rest In Peace, sweet Jan, until we meet again. Hope you feel the love you left on Earth.
Mrs. Summers influenced every aspect of my life. I am such a loving teacher because she showed me how to change the lives of children. You will be missed, but know that you will continue to change lives from heaven. I will always and forever be your Lana the Ladybug.
God Bless your family,
Laura (Criswell) Gokey
May God be with all of you during this difficult time. I’ll always remember how friendly and enthusiastic Mrs. Summers was during the time I knew her at Silbernagel. I know there’s a very special place for her in Heaven.
Billy and I are truly sorry for your loss. My first experience with Jan was as Casey’s 2nd grade music teacher when he was a spider and we had just moved to Dickinson! Billy and I have fond memories of her at all the Dickinson Gator Football games from when David and Casey were in 7th grade until they graduated from Dickinson High School in 2002. I will never forget our first football game under the leaders of Coach Trahan when we were losing so bad but she, Janette Colvin and I were laughing because we weren’t getting beaten as bad as we had in the past. Then we saw the Trahan coaches wives looking at us so funny!
Jimmy and Family,
We extend our deepest condolences for the passing of Jan. We lift you and family in prayers for comfort and peace during this challenging time. She will be missed dearly, but the precious memories will live on forever.
Forever my favorite music teacher with her signature red hair and red lipstick.
I remember our music concerts- I think she had more fun than we did with her costumes and piano pieces; waving her arms at us taking it all in, she was always a sight to see. Blessed to have had her as a music teacher and then to have crossed paths again when she taught my kids. My dearest condolences to the family- she was a bright soul with a beautiful smile and will be dearly missed.
Dear Jimmy, David, and Craig,
Carolyn and I are so sorry to learn of Jan’s passing. God bless her and may perpetual light shine upon her! Jan certainly brought light into our lives, and we are so grateful to have shared wonderful times with her and with you. We pray for you in your time of loss, and pray that your hearts and minds will be filled with abundant hope and glorious memories.
Peace be with you always,
Mike and Carolyn Button
Bethlehem, PA
My sympathy to the family at this sad time.
Jimmy,
So surprised and sad to read of Jan’s passing. Time passes so quickly and we lose touch with special friends as our lives take us in different directions. I will always cherish the friendships made during our 30 years at Carbide (for me 50 years as my mother, granddad, and uncle were all Carbiders).
I will always remember us purchasing your blue 1981 Honda Civic for our daughter’s 16th birthday Y’all needed a bigger Honda Accord as y’all were starting your family. It was a jewel and served our family well!! She used it through her college years at Baylor and then we gave it to Jerry’s Mom to use to run errands in La Marque. When she no longer was driving we took it back—that was a number of years after Jerry retired in 1998. Some people saw it parked under a big oak tree here at the farm and stopped and asked if we would sell it. We did and saw him in it many times until he sold it a couple of years ago.
Would enjoy seeing you and revisiting the past!!
Keeping you and your family close in our hearts and prayers.
Sincerely with love,
Minnie & Jerry Parker
Jimmy, David & Craig,
We are so sad to hear the news about Jan. What a beautiful person. I can close my eyes and see her waling out on that piano. She definitely enjoyed life. She will surely be missed. Our love and prayers to all of you.
Lee & Nettie Biondo