Jan Bodiford

Janice Elaine “Jan” Bodiford, age 85, passed away on May 16, 2026. She was born on June 2, 1940, to H.J. and Ruth Markham.

On June 7, 1957, Jan married the love of her life, James Wesley Bodiford. Together, they built a life that stretched across 64 years of marriage, a life rooted in devotion, faith, family, laughter, and steady love. Their home was blessed with two children; their son, Jame Wesley Bodiford II, known as Wes, and their daughter, Jill (Bodiford) Brown.

Jan gave 36 years of faithful service to Garland ISD, serving as secretary and office manager at Sellers Middle School. But to those who knew her, her work was never simply a job. It was a ministry of presence. Each morning, Jan’s voice carried through the school announcements, and she always closed with the words that became part of her legacy: “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” In her office sat a rocking chair, waiting for anyone who needed a quiet place to rest, a safe space to cry, a word of encouragement, or simply someone who would listen. Her door was always open, and so was her heart. Students, teachers, staff and families found in Jan a steady presence, a gentle humor, and the rare gift of making people feel seen, safe, and deeply valued.

Jan will be remembered as a grace-filled woman of tremendous faith. She never turned away anyone who needed a meal, a prayer, or a loving ear free of judgement. She had a way of making each person feel as though they mattered, because to Jan, they did. Her faith was not something she kept tucked away for Sundays; it was woven into the ordinary rhythm of her life. She found joy and comfort in studying Scripture, and her love for God shaped the way she welcomed, encouraged, and cared for the people around her.

Jan was also funny, warm, and full of life. She found beauty in the simple things: the comfort of a Hallmark movie, especially at Christmastime: the quite joy of watering and tending to her flowers and plants: the laughter of family; and the small, tender moments that make a life rich. Like the flowers she cared for so lovingly, Jan nurtured what was around her. She helped people grow. She brought color into ordinary days. She made the world gentler by being in it.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Jame Wesley Bodiford; her son, James Wesley Bodiford II, “Wes”; her parents, H. J. and Ruth Markham; her brothers, Mike Markham and Johnny Markham; and her brother-in-law, Ron Baker.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Jill (Bodiford) Brown; her sister, Carol (Markham) Canterbury and husband Lewis; her brother, Harold Wayne Markham and wife Jan; her sister, Laurie (Markham) Wiginton and husband Jeff; her grandchildren, James Wesley Bodiford III, “Tray,” and wife Lauren, Wes Brown, and Justin Brown; her great-grandchildren, Shayla and Hailey Bodiford; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on May 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Sachse, Texas, followed by a service celebrating Jan’s life at noon. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Jan’s life was a daily witness to the words she spoke so often: “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” Jane made that choice faithfully. She chose grace. She chose kindness. She chose laughter. She chose love. And because she did, countless lives are better, softer, and more beautiful because she was here.