Janet B. Davis, 85, Kansas City, MO, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022. A visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with services following at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 30, at Porter Funeral Home in Kansas City, KS (1835 Minnesota Ave.), with graveside services immediately following at Memorial Park and Sunset Gardens in Kansas City, KS (3223 N. 18 St.). Memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas City Pet Project in memory of Janet.
Jan was born October 29, 1936, in Kansas City, KS, where she was raised and later graduated from Wyandotte High School. She went on to attend Ouachita Baptist University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics. A lifelong learner, Jan also enjoyed attending classes at the University of Hawaii, University of Colorado, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she earned her master’s degree (at age 50-something!) in Early Childhood Curriculum Development.
Always active and full of life, Jan enjoyed all types of recreational activities which included synchronized swimming, roller skating, racquetball, running, bicycling, skiing, snowmobiling – basically any activity that would have her smiling with friends and family.
Jan was a teacher for 50 years. She loved her career and was an absolute “kid magnet.” She had a special way with children and never missed an opportunity to have a conversation, show genuine interest and make them feel good about themself. She touched the lives of countless children throughout her career, and her lessons undoubtably live on.
Jan was a faithful servant of God. She was guided by her strong faith and was a member of many church families over the years including, Emmanual Baptist Church in KCK, First Baptist Church of Raytown and LIfe Connection Church in Independence, MO.
Jan also loved to travel, especially to see family in Colorado. Even when money was tight, she always made sure her family was together for Christmas and fun on the ski slopes. After retirement, she saw the world with friends. Her spirit of adventure led her to Peru, Costa Rica, Scandinavia, Belize, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada and Alaska, where she always appreciated the local flavors and cultures.
Jan treasured relationships with family and friends most of all. She loved hard, and we felt it. Although she loved to talk (just a little bit), she was also a solid listener and confidante. We will miss this source strength, solace, and encouragement we’ve come to rely upon. But she taught us well, and now we can do the same for others. We will never forget her infectious laugh, servant’s heart, and how much she loved us.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer “Brick” Larson and Beatrice Moling Larson, and two sisters, Elaine Larson Chado and Chloris Larson Nickelson. She is survived by her two children, Janelle Davis (Jim Mosby) and Brick Davis, dog Zeke, and her Colorado Flakes: the families of Allan Chado, Rob Chado and Tegner Nickelson. The family would like to extend a special debt of gratitude to Laura Contreras, who served as Mom's caregiver and friend for the past several years. We were very blessed to have you in our lives.