Janis Walker Thorp Durham (JJ) passed away on January 26, 2025, just one day after celebrating 56 years of marriage with her husband, Marshall Pershing Durham Jr. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who touched the lives of so many with her warmth, humor, and boundless love for family.

Janis was born on September 11, 1947, in Brownwood, Texas, to Chloe Bird Thorp and Charles Walker Thorp. She spent her early years in Flory, Texas, before the family moved to Odessa in 1950. The Thorp family moved several times during her childhood, living in McCamey, Stamford, and Abilene, where she attended Madison Junior High and became drum major of the band in 1963. She graduated from Cooper High School in 1966 and went on to attend Texas Tech University, where she met the love of her life, Marshall Durham Jr. who she affectionately called "Petie".

Her early years were filled with adventure, laughter, and a few mischievous stories—like sneaking off with the family car as a teenager or getting caught doing donuts in the Stamford Country Club parking lot. She loved reminiscing about her time working at Six Flags, especially at the carousel and log ride, where many of her and Marshall's early dates took place.

Together, Janis and Marshall raised their family across Texas and beyond, living in Dallas, Bryan/College Station, La Marque, Friendswood, El Paso, Littleton, Colorado, and finally, New Braunfels. She built lifelong friendships in every city, always reminding her children to "make a new friend" wherever they went.

Janis was deeply devoted to her family. She was the mom cheering on the sidelines at every game, the organizer of birthday lunches, and the keeper of family traditions. In Friendswood, she became an integral part of the youth sports community, running the concession stand and making sure her house was the "Kool-Aid house" where all the neighborhood kids gathered. She worked in various administration roles, with a few of her favorites being typesetting for the Friendswood News, and Office Manager for both the Muscular Dystrophy office in El Paso and Overall Office for Herff Jones in New Braunfels.

Her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. From library storytimes to ice cream outings and youth sports events she showed up in her bedazzled team shirts. JJ was their biggest fan. She was even featured on ESPN during a Little League Playoff game, a moment that perfectly captured her enthusiasm. She was always ready to pick out the perfect outfit for someone, as well as being the family "stain master".

Janis took joy in the little things—sharing birthdays, staying connected to loved ones, and filling her home with cardinals as reminders of those she had lost. She was the first to send a red heart emoji in text messages and say, "I love you to the moon and back." Her family will carry forward this loving sentiment in her honor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Chloe Thorp, her beloved daughter, Kimberly Z Durham, and her brother-in-law, Jim Herndon.

Janis is survived by her husband, Marshall Pershing Durham Jr., daughter Tiffany Durham and wife Cris Bleich Durham, son Marshall Pershing Durham III (Trace) and wife Sharon Jauer Durham, her sister Michaele "Mik" Thorp Herndon and Rob Mendiola. Her grandchildren, Marshall Pershing Durham IV, Braden Durham, Bennett Durham, Chloe Mendiola, and Carlos Mendiola, were her pride and joy.

A service to honor Janis's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, February 17th at Our Lady of Grace Church in San Antonio, Texas. Reception to follow. Janis was a force of love, energy, and connection. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew her.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net