Jan Gothard

Jan Gothard, age 84 of Temple, passed away Friday, October 20th, 2023, at home. Services will be Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m., at Harper Talasek Funeral Home, 500 W. Barton Ave., Temple. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park Cemetery, 8575 Airport Rd., Temple.

Ms. Gothard was born in Temple, Texas to Tommy and Preble (Baker) Gothard on September 12, 1939. She graduated from Temple High School in 1958 and from North Texas State University (UNT) with a degree in art education. She lived most of her life in Temple except for the years when she lived in the Dallas area. She worked at numerous places, including Xerox Corporation, KCEN-TV 6, Central Texas Manpower Consortium, and as an art teacher at Dallas ISD and Temple ISD.

Ms. Gothard enjoyed traveling; visiting with family and friends; reading magazines, especially home decorating magazines; going to estate and garage sales; and collecting quilts and antiques. She was involved with the Association for A Pet Adoption Center (APAC), helping to secure an animal shelter in Temple. She was a talented artist who shared her love and passion of art with her students and colleagues. She expressed herself through her artistic abilities. She was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. She enriched the lives of all she knew, and the memories and special relationships she formed with others will always be treasured.

Ms. Gothard was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Donna Gothard Casey.

Survivors include niece, Camille Casey Sumter, and nephew, Carey Casey, both of The Woodlands, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ms. Gothard’s name to APAC or City of Temple Animal Services. Memorial donations may be mailed to the City of Temple Animal Services, 620 Mama Dog Circle, Temple, Texas 76501.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Visiting Angels and the staff of Baylor Scott and White Health Hospice for the loving and compassionate care of Jan during the last three years. Much gratitude and appreciation to Sheryl Sylvester and James Sylvester for their many years of care, love and support.