Jana Stone

Jana Stone was a beautiful person to know and to love. She lived an abundant life and held a strong passion for her family. There is no doubt that she will be dearly missed by her special friends and loved ones.

Her story began in 1944. Edgar and Louise Davis welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Jana Louise, on June 24th in Memphis, Tennessee. To her mother’s surprise she awoke after giving birth to find out that her sister Jana had already named her Jana Louise after herself! Her birth was a sign of hope and promise during a unique time in our nation’s history.

Born to a set of hard working parents, Jana’s life was one of resilience from an early age. Her father worked along side his father at Edgar H Davis and Sons Construction. Her mother was a school teacher. They modeled for Jana and her younger siblings; Edgar, Sharon, and Sheila, no matter how big or small your position, your work represents you and your character.

Growing up in Memphis, her talent and poise landed her as debutante in Memphis in 1962. Jana’s sweet personality, and engaging manner teamed with her fetching good looks, made the ink in the local society paper, The Tri-State Defender. Shortly after the article was printed, she graduated with the Class of 1962 from Father Bertrand High School. Her future was looking bright as she had the perseverance and ambition to make her way in the world. However, shortly after entering college, Jana was faced with health challenges. Given only a few months to live, Jana’s strength and faithfulness helped her overcome and beat two occurrences of Hodgkin’s disease. She knew that God had favored her and had a purpose for her life. Not allowing her illness to slow her down, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree at Indiana State University. She later completed her Master’s degree from Michigan State University.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jana made a long career as an elementary school educator. She taught with Kentwood Public Schools at Hamilton Elementary School for over two decades. A highlight of her teaching years was her role as a Title 1 Math Teacher. Title 1 is a program for disadvantaged students struggling in their academics and Jana’s patience and no-nonsense approach allowed her to make an impact. At the end of her teaching years, she moved back into the classroom where she taught 5th grade. Jana commanded respect and taught her students self-respect, which led to mutual trust between her and her students. Many of her students returned over the years to thank her for her giving them confidence in themselves and not giving up on them.

Not to be forgotten was the love story she shared with her college sweetheart, George. Young and in love, they started a family of two children, Scott and Shaun outside of Grand Rapids. Although their marriage did not last, they remained lifelong friends. Jana later married Bill who sadly passed away. Left not knowing if she would find love again, she met Jim at the Circle City Classic. She immediately caught his eye with her nautical-inspired outfit, and he worked up enough courage to approach her saying “shall I salute you?”. Hitting it off from the start, they joined in marriage and she gained two stepdaughters, Deidre and Tiffany. Jana moved to Portage with her puppy, Berry and she and Jim spent 28 together. They built a beautiful life together. For nearly 20 years, Jana and Jim spent their winters in Florida. They enjoyed traveling with their group of friends on wonderful vacations including Seattle and Sonoma and many places in between. Both music lovers, they attended several jazz festivals and concerts even seeing Jennifer Lopez in concert for her 75th birthday! They also took trips to see her children and grandchildren which brought her the greatest joy.

As a mother, Jana taught her children self-respect and how to stand up for themselves. Her short stature was no comparison to the size of her fierce love for her family. Her life was an example of never settling for less than your best. She stood up for her kids whenever they were wronged but didn't shy away from telling them the truth about themselves when they needed to hear it! Her guidance and incredible wisdom will be etched into their hearts forever. She made many sacrifices over the years to provide her family with the best she could offer them. They never doubted her love and acceptance; a beautiful gift she repeatedly gave them over the years.

Active in her community, Jana enjoyed participating in local events and charities. She valued friendship and service and was a member of two organizations, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she was a founding member of the Grand Rapid’s alumni chapter and The Links, Incorporated, where she became a founding member of the Greater Kalamazoo Chapter. Volunteering, serving her community and giving of her resources was an important part of her life. Her faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. She was baptized in the AME church as a child and always believed that God was faithful and answered prayers.

Being a grandmother to Anjelica, Arianna, Lauren, Lindsey and Gavin filled her heart with many blessings and brought her so much joy. She also adored her granddogs; Luna, Ivy, and Tex. Jana was known to find great deals while shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, yet her Achilles heel was QVC! She made sure to buy whatever they were offering in every color! Jana couldn’t start her day without a cup of French roast Starbucks coffee with just the right amount of Hazelnut creamer. A food lover, Jana savored her Hudsonville Double Chocolate Almond Ice Cream after enjoying a good steak, prime rib dinner, or burger from Culver’s. Pickles, however, were her favorite food of all; the more, the better! Her favorite adult beverage was usually a Lemon Drop Martini or Margarita or even just a tumbler with crushed ice, Recently, on her 81st birthday, Jana indulged in Key Lime cheesecake. No meal was ever complete without a little dessert or something to satisfy her sweet tooth!

A testament to her love of people and connecting with others was her extraordinary collection of greeting cards that she had saved since her son Scott was born! Never wanting to forget any kind message from her loved ones and special friends. She enjoyed laughter, she was funny but also gave her wisdom and advice when needed, but she may have looked at you with those big brown eyes and playfully told you “Not my monkey, not my circus”. She spent her last few months in Leonia, NJ with her son Scott and daughter-in-law Glennis, and cherished being able to see the amazing, kind, smart and loving young women that her granddaughters, Anjelica and Arianna had become. Described as resilient, loving, and a natural worrier to a fault, Jana’s wisdom and love will be deeply missed by her family. She gave them a lifetime of wonderful memories and stories they can pass on to generations to come.

Jana Stone, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025. She leaves behind her husband, Jim; her children, Scott, Shaun, Deidre and Tiffany; her son and daughters-in-law, Glennis, Simeon, Larry and Terrance; her grandchildren, Anjelica, Arianna, Lauren, Lindsey and Gavin; and her siblings, Edgar, Sharon, and Sheila. Sister-in-law to Evelyn and Cameron. Aunt, cousin, Godmother, friend, teacher. She loved and is loved.

Life Story services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11 am at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared immediately following in the Life Story Center. Celebrate Jana’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.