Jan Sheldon Allen

Jan Sheldon Allen left this world on January 12, 2026. She was born March 25, 1946, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Zillman Parsons “Jack” Sheldon and Marjorie Benson “Midge” Sheldon. Jan came from a family of attorneys, including her father and great uncle Alpheus Lane. Mr. Lane was elected the county attorney of Miami County, Kansas, twice. He lost an election in 1896, then was re-elected in 1898. He retired as County Attorney in 1902. He continued the practice of law for a number of years and died in 1930. Jan’s father, Jack, was an attorney for Phillips Petroleum in Kansas and ended his career in the Field Solicitors Office of the Department of the Interior. Jack died in 2012. Midge was a proud Home Economics teacher who gave Jan the knowledge and skills to be a great homemaker, if she wished to be. Jan had a brother, Jeffry. Jeff and Midge predeceased Jan. Midge died in 2016, and Jeff in 2007. 

Jan spent her early years in the Oklahoma oil patch. In 1960, Jack moved his family to Amarillo, Texas, where Jan graduated from Tascosa High School in 1964. She was an honor graduate anda member of the National Honor Society. Jan matriculated at Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. She did graduate training at the University of Texas at Austin (The University), receiving a Master of Science in Social Work in 1974. 

Beginning in 1981, she attended Law School part time at the University of Houston. She graduated and was licensed to practice law in May of 1987. 

During law school, Jan spent 3 years working at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. She was stationed in the inmate law library. Her primary duty was to instruct inmates in methods of legal research. She also took a course in criminal prosecution and, through the course, did an internship at the Harris County District Attorney’s office. These activities gave her a familiarity with criminal law, and after law school, she applied for assistant district attorney positions in Liberty and Galveston counties. 

At some point, Jan landed at Gulf Coast Legal Foundation, now known as Lone Star Legal Aid, where she practiced mainly in the areas of family law, landlord/tenant law, evictions, and Social Security disability. When Legal Aid left Austin County, Jan opened an independent law office in John Harle’s building, practicing alongside him and Jerry S. Scheff. She slowed considerably over the next few years, but still came in almost daily to stream TV programs and keep the guys company. 

Jan was a faithful member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. She was on the Altar Guild, Sunday School Teacher, and she was always ready to help with all Church activities. She was by-the-book and would remonstrate with those who fell short. Jan was a licensed Lay Reader at St. Mary’s. Jan also became involved with the Order of the Daughters of the King, an international order of lay and ordained women and girls who seek a closer walk with the Lord. Members take vows of prayer, service, and evangelism, and adhere to a Rule of Life, which includes a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service. Members’ primary goal is to know Jesus Christ and to make him known to others by reflecting God’s love throughout the world. 

Jan was married once, to James “Jim” Allen in 1971. They had no children. They divorced in 1981, but Jan maintained a cordial relationship with Jim. They would exchange cards and phone calls on holidays and other special occasions. 

In December of 2024, Jan had her first stroke. At that time, she moved into Magnolia Assisted Living in Bellville. She loved the staff and liked to be called Hottie 1. She recovered well from that stroke. She ambulated using a walker and had no speech difficulties. However, her right hand sometimes had a mind of its own. Jan had a second stroke around July, but it left no discernable lasting effects on her mobility or speech. 

Jan told several people that when she died, it was going to be quick and eventful. She was true to her word. Early the morning of January 11, Jan suffered “the Big One.” She went into a coma and remained there until she peacefully passed a little after midnight on the 12th. 

Jan leaves behind her many wonderful friends, both local and far-flung. She received wonderful care from the fine people at Magnolia House. We’d like to especially thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their kind, caring help and friendship, and, oh yes, good cooking! We’d also like to thank ACARA Hospice and Sharon Graham for making sure that Jan’s passing was calm and painless.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either: 

(1) ACARA Hospice, 601 Graham Road, College Station, Texas 77845;

(2) St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bellville; 

(3) any animal shelter anywhere; 

or 

(4) to the charity of your choice.