Lois Jane "Janie" Stevens, age 75, passed into God's loving arms on Friday, July 16, 2021. Jane was born August 28, 1945, to William Burris and Jimmie Lois (Wade) Vance in Meridian, Mississippi. Although her family relocated frequently, she shared fond memories about her childhood in Wyoming and Texas. She graduated from Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado and she remained in Denver, Colorado the rest of her life.
Jane had many passions. All of them centered around serving people. She was a brilliant artist; especially gifted in oil painting. Her long life of volunteerism began when she worked as a volunteer art teacher for elementary students. Jane was a magnificent, self-taught cook; she always enjoyed cooking and creating meals for friends, family, and events. No one left her home hungry. She also enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and canning.
Later in life, Jane purchased the print shop where she worked and she served the southwest Denver community as a business owner. Upon closing her shop, Janie became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She held many positions as a member including Chapter Chaplain and Auxiliary President. While serving Post #5061, she organized and implemented several events and fundraisers. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2015. She thought of her post as her second home and cherished the members there.
Jane enjoyed spending time in Arkansas, at Food and Wine Festivals, with all of her grandchildren, and many late nights with friends. She was married to her husband, Al, for almost fifty-one years and they spent all but five years in the same house.
Despite being a shy child, Jane became very outgoing, forthright, and straightforward. She used her past adversities to encourage others and give them strength. She spoke against injustice and was hugely patriotic. While known for her kindness and generosity she was also known to be a little rebellious. Her home was open to everyone and anyone. Many people called her house their home. Jane loved all her friends and family with her whole heart and was fiercely protective of them.
She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Alan; daughter, Jennifer Wiggins (Marc); daughter, Amanda Stevens; daughter, Jamie Chavez; sister, Maynette Swezey; brother, Bill "Sonny" Vance (Elke); grandchildren, Tyler (Madison), Reagan (Joshua), Brianna and Kaitlyn; many nieces and nephews and friends.
Scripture service will be held at Newcomer West Metro Chapel, 901 South Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado 80226 on August 12, 2021, at 10:00 am with a committal service following at noon at Fort Logan National Cemetery (Staging Area A), 698 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado with a reception following at The Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post #5061 5220 W. Warren Ave. Denver, Colorado.
Contributions may be sent in her name can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5061 5220 W. Warren Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80227