JANIS ELLEN CERNAN

1939-2021

Our mother, Janis “(Jan)” Ellen Cernan, age 81, of Houston, Texas passed away on August 5, 2021 peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Jan was born on December 7, 1939 to Zeb and Irene Jones of Allegan, Michigan. One of six siblings, she was known for her stylish flair, love for travel and shopping and her interior design skills. She attended Allegan High School, Western Michigan University and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio majoring in Interior Design.

In 1979, the family moved to Houston, Texas where Jan proceeded to launch a very successful interior design career with Louis Shanks and Suniland Furniture companies and then ultimately went out on her own and formed Jan Nanna Cernan Designs. As an accredited ASID designer, Jan’s clients included individuals, corporations, and dignitaries from foreign countries. Our mother was a vibrant, healthy, always dressed to the “nines” social lady in Houston before beginning her battle with Alzheimer’s. Her interests included music (especially by Cher), playing cards and slots, dancing, big dogs, NASA, and travel. Her passion for interior design was rivaled only by her love for her nine grandchildren. Fond memories of Nanna include her driver’s license tests for the golf carts at the ranch, the secret clothes and jewelry closet where the password was “Nanna is fabulous” …knock, knock, knock, the annual Christmas cookie decorating at her house, and her reward system for good grades. These memories will forever be cherished by the grandchildren.

Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Captain Eugene A. Cernan, her brother Patrick Jones, her father Zeb Wilson Jones and her mother Doris Irene Jones. She is survived in life by her daughters Danielle Ellis, Kelly

Nanna Taff (Michael) and her stepdaughter Tracy Cernan Woolie (Marion). Jan is also survived by her four siblings and their families. Rinda Patton, Mike Jones (Jeri), Ed Jones (Sue), and Bobby Elliot (Don).

Jan, “Nanna”, is also survived by her nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ashley Woolie Hunt (Adam), USN Lieutenant Junior Grade Carson Taff (Courtney), Kaylee Taff Rye (Josh), Katelyn Rose Woolie, Whitney Dawn Woolie, Madison Ellen Taff, Jordan Andrew Ellis, Jackson Drew Taff, Caroline Marie Ellis and great granddaughter, Hadley Cernan Hunt.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, her caregiver Crucita Cancino and her lifelong friend, Priscilla “Scotty” Sanders.

Memorial services for Janis Ellen Cernan will be held at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024 on Monday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. Reception immediately following services. Family burial at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas at 3:30 p.m. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/ Events/Tributes-AlzheimersC hampions?pxfid=700734&am p;fr_id=1060&pg=fund