Vernona Jan Howell of Amarillo, Texas passed away on February 17, 2026, in Amarillo, at the age of 73.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home with graveside services following at 2:15 P.M. at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Jonathan Sullivan officiating. Arrangements and services are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home.
Jan was born on August 16, 1952, in Tahoka, Texas, to Vernon Daryl and Nona LaRue (Day) Hasley. She spent most of her life in Dimmitt, where she raised her three children, before relocating to Amarillo in 1991. She was of Christian faith.
Jan had a passion for dancing and met Gary Howell at the dance hall in 1992. They were married on November 6, 1992. Jan pursued a career in healthcare as a licensed vocational nurse, serving in various roles including positions as a TDCJ prison nurse, jail nurse, and, in her later years, at Plumb Creek Nursing Home where she provided compassionate care to elderly residents.
Jan actively participated in her children’s activities as a proud band mom, and she experienced similar happiness watching her grandchildren pursue their interests. Gifted in sewing, crafting, painting, and jewelry-making, Jan was also an excellent pool player. She enjoyed visiting casinos and trying her luck at slot machines. Jan was a wonderful wife, mother, and person and a great cook. She was witty, friendly, and competitive and was always eager to get involved in something fun or a little mischievous.
Those left to cherish her memories are her husband Gary Howell of Amarillo, Texas; son, Stacy Waggoner and his wife Jessica of Dumas, Texas; daughters, Jana Waggoner and Kodi Brito both of Amarillo, Texas; bonus daughters Amber and Jamie Sable both of Amarillo, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, Forest Waggoner (Shelby), Revon Waggoner, Graysen Waggoner, Jonathan Perez, Leah, Kolynn Thomlinson, Maci Velasquez (Frankie), Marli Brito, Madilynn Brito, Josh Monday (Natalie), Madison Monday (Teron Webb), Ryan Sable (Sarah), Landyn Sable, and Kyndall Sable; five great grandchildren, Rowen and Bonnie Velasquez, Isley Diaz, and Blakely and Heidi Monday; brother Randy Hasley of Amarillo, Texas; sisters- in-law Brenda Jones (Steve) of Oklahoma, and Kellie Delap (Kent) of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Vernon Daryl and Nona LaRue Hasley and sister Deborah Hasley Jones.
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