Leonard, Texas -- Jane Arthur Stapp was born the daughter of Arthur Robert Stapp and Gladys Jewell Ausburn in Leonard on August 6, 1941. She passed from this earthly life to her spiritual home on November 23, 2024.
Jane lived all but nine years of her life in Leonard, Texas. She graduated salutatorian of the LHS class of 1959 and went on to East Texas State University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics/History and Master of Science from Texas Women’s University. Jane then began her 36-year public-school teaching career with a focus to help students learn to continually strive to improve their character and life situation.
She married David W. Blackerby on April 11, 1964 in her parent’s home in Leonard. They devoted 45 years together before David’s passing. They shared joy in their three sons, world travels, and their Christian faith.
Jane believed in service to others and the community. She instilled this motivation to many others around her. As recognition for her service, she was honored with the 1993 Leonard Citizen of the Year, 2010 LHS Educator of the Year, and 2021 Leonard Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award.
She is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Scott & Kelli Blackerby of Leonard, Mark & Kacey Blackerby of Leonard, and John & Jennifer Blackerby of Sunnyvale; grandchildren, Seth, Brooke, Ella, Avery, and Jack Blackerby; Sisters and spouses, Martha & Dennis Braddock of Springfield, Virginia, Vicky & Darrell Edwards of Tyler, and Becky & Richard Parr of Richmond Hill, Georgia; sisters and brothers in-law, Delinda & Jim Lough of Sherman, Susan & Herman Stegall of Meridian, Mississippi, Ted & Nancy Blackerby of Spicewood; chosen daughter and spouse/sons, Natalia & Nils Effertz, Jacob and Luke of Cologne, Germany; along with many nieces/nephews, friends, and neighbors.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Leonard, Texas. Graveside service will follow at the Leonard Cemetery. Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 3, at the First Baptist Church of Leonard (100 E Thomas Street) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory can be made to the following: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (c/o First Baptist Church, PO Box 1146, Leonard, TX 75452); Open Arms Homeless Shelter (PO Box 234, Bonham, TX 75418); Leonard Cemetery Association (PO Box 118, Leonard, TX 75452); or Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke, and Fannin Counties (PO Box 2306, Sherman, TX 75091).
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is in charge of the arrangements.
