Jan Carolyn Lakin
Obituary
“Strength,” “determination,” and “will” are words that shall forever define this beautiful lady, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. After 22 years of courageously battling cancer, Jan, a devout Christian woman, joined the Lord on August 19, 2020.
Jan was so proud to be a Texan, having been born in Dallas on July 10, 1940. Her father was a career Army officer, and as a proud “Army brat,” she lived in several locations in the US and Germany. She graduated from Wurzburg American High School in Germany in 1958; from The Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia in 1961, where she earned her nursing diploma; and, from the University of Tulsa in 1981, where she earned her BS in nursing, with honors. She also attended Centenary College, where she pursued an MBA.
Jan met her husband, Phillip L. Lakin, while they were in high school. They remained sweethearts and were married for 58+ years. Jan cherished her children, Phil Lakin, Jr., and Dr. Tracey Lakin, grandsons Brooks, Alex, Cooper, and Joshua; her favorite granddaughter, Kennedy; daughter-in-law Adriane; son-in-law Dr. Grant Cox; brother MG (Ret) James Cravens; sister-in-law Jo Beth Cravens; aunt and uncle Ruth and Ed Barberis; cousins Jerry Way, Laura Sattler, Ruth Anne Hobbs and others; numerous nephews and nieces; and, countless friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her beloved mother Margaret R. Norris, father James (Jake) Cravens, and brother Ronald C. Hartley.
Jan loved running, sports, gardening, animals and birds, fishing, traveling, the ocean, mountains, and lakes. Her love of her family and friends was steadfast, especially for her kids, whom she vigorously defended in all things and constantly encouraged to set goals, achieve dreams, and put others’ interests before their own. She also dearly loved her Yorkie, Lexi, who provided her comfort and loyally stayed by her side during her final days.
Jan wanted to especially thank her brother, Jim, for unselfishly giving her the chance to live by donating his cells for a stem cell transplant, and her husband for his consistent, tireless care and love. She also thanks all who cared for her while she was ill and for the flood of prayers, calls and notes of well wishes. Special thanks go to those who treated her: Drs. Maloney, Strnad, Nguyen, Shaw, Chalkin, Wenger, their nurses, and staff.
By her request, she was cremated, and her ashes will be spread in places she loved: Texas first, then Tulsa and Georgia. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. CT Friday, September 4, 2020, both in-person at Asbury Methodist’s Mason Chapel and virtually. Due to the pandemic, chapel seating is very limited. If you wish to join, please send an email to [email protected] indicating the number who will attend in-person or virtually. The family will do its very best to accommodate in-person guests, and will email virtual participation instructions to others.
Memorial donations may be mailed to Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK 74136, or made online at https://tulsacf.org/?fund=1477 so that others with multiple myeloma may find hope and care, as she did.
“For this is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Events
Tributes & Memories
Funeral Home Owner
Jan and I were young mothers together in El Paso, Texas. My two sons and her son, Phil were similar in age. She was such a beautiful woman, and a very faithful friend. She helped me through a difficult time in my life. Rest in peace, Lovely Lady.
Belva Williams
I did not know Jan very well, but we both were attendees at a blood cancer support group that met in Tulsa. She would quietly impart her knowledge to anyone who needed some help, never letting us know that she probably needed support herself. It was a pleasure to know her, and my husband and I send sincere condolences to all of her loved ones. May she now rest in peace.
Myra McLaughlin
Dear friend I will miss you. Your giggle and laugh your common sense approach and desire for the truth. Your positive attitude always lifts me up. Thank you Jan. How wonderful god brought us to know each other I love you and will see you again dear friend Prayers and love to your family
Mindy Sobel
Jan was a special cousin.We spent many fun happy days in Dallas.She was always the achiever. We spent many happy times with our families and sometimes just the two of us.. We shared lean times and fat times and she was always ready to do whatever needed to make everything better for all. She really knew how to raise children, her pride in them and her love for them was wonderful..I am sorry I was not able to spend time with her this last month but she and her family were in my prayers daily. I know the Lord will be overjoyed to her. We all loved her. Bill & Jerry Way, Amanda,Christy and Sam.
Jerry Way
Jan was a fierce prayer warrior! We met when she was in my Monday Morning Women of Worth Bible Study from 2016-2017. That year, we prayed for a woman who had just lost her husband, a mom who had a son suffering from colon cancer and I had a brother who was battling cancer. We studied the Psalms that year. Jan attended regularly and always contributed. She was an extra special light to the group because she not only said she'd pray, you knew she'd do it and you knew she would because she'd been through the cancer battle herself. I last saw her at The Kirk before the pandemic started in February--walking with a cane and yet, still greeting people and remembering them by name. She was a special lady who is going to be dearly missed. She will live in our hearts and we are comforted in knowing that because of our faith in Jesus, we will see her again someday with the author of the Psalms! Love and prayers for your family! Clara Warrick
clara warrick
As a young teenager in the 70’s I met Jan. She had an inner radiance that was inviting. Her laughter was lovely. Over the years we prayed for each other, a lot. My life has been blessed knowing this humble, loving, intelligent, and strong woman. Not many could show the constant grace that she did under extreme circumstances. To know and love her is an honor. I am thankful that she is fully healed and in the glory of God in heaven now. Love, Shirleyanne Brown Johnson
Shirleyanne Brown Johnson