08/24/2026
It is with incredible sadness that I share that our mother, Jana-Lynn, at the young age of 54 is no longer with us.
Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent, regardless of the relationship. Our mom had the biggest smile, the most beautiful piercing green eyes, the loudest laugh, the most adventerous heart. I am heartbroken for the life she won't get to live, her not being able to see her kids grow old and grey alongside her.
She loved astrology books, peanut butter, mayo and cheese sandwiches, sunflowers, extra ice, fruity popsicles (that she could bite right into), Italian subs, pecan pies, Christmas, celebrations of any kind, being loud, being needed, caring for others.
My mother had no idea what a boundary was. She felt so deeply and didn't know how to express it which left her feeling so misunderstood. She wanted to be loved with no bounds and unconditionally. She longed for community and to be seen.
She loved r&b everything - specifically Sade and Mary J. Blige, and the Flava in Ya ear remix (iykyk)... she never knew all the words to any song but would sing it with her heart, completely off key.
Most importantly she wanted a family - a family that she created. She taught us what it means to make your own family and to bring people into your life that you want to show up for and those who will do the same.
Her biggest heartbreak was feeling misunderstood... and she was. The world she was put into was not prepared for someone so unapologetically herself. S**t, I didn't understand how important and influential this part of her would be on me.
I had to love my mother from a distance. My upbringing with her was quite difficult and often times, unsafe. She was incredibly unserious (mostly at the worst times).
The greatest gift she gave me was my sibling and a chance to create our own family.
I know she is safe now, I know she is at peace, I know she is at home. I know she's eating a big plate of Chinese food and finishing it off with a Chaco taco.
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