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Jalna Kottwitz Obituary
09/04/1937 - 02/26/2025
Jalna Byron Kottwitz, 87, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was adored by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
She was born Jalna Ann Byron on September 4, 1937, in St Louis, Missouri. She grew up and graduated high school in Chicago, Illinois before moving to Texas. Jalna attended the University of Texas where she met and fell in love with William "Bill" Kottwitz Sr, marrying on July 13, 1958. Jalna and Bill raised two boys, William Lewis Kottwitz, Jr. and James Byron Kottwitz in Houston, Texas. She was a homemaker actively involved in her kid's lives including being home room Mom, booster club supporter, and the greatest cheerleader. Jalna loved playing tennis and was active in committees and the board of Houston Racquet Club. She fell in love with Texas Football and attended almost every home game throughout her life with her husband. She was happiest surrounded by her family in the kitchen, cooking her brisket, crab boils, and her famous Fudge Cake which was a family favorite. She always welcomed her friends and children's friends into her home and took active interest in each and everyone. Jalna was proudest that she was able to watch her kids and grandchildren grow, marry, and start their own families.
Jalna is preceded in death by her parents, Roberta Byron and Paul Byron, and her brothers Allan Byron and Bill Byron. She is survived by her brother, Michael Byron. Jalna is survived by her loving husband of 66 years William Kottwitz, Sr; her sons, William Kottwitz, Jr and wife Katherine Kottwitz, James Kottwitz and wife Leslie Kottwitz; her grandchildren, Tracy Kottwitz Lehman, Katy Kottwitz Porterfield and husband Brownie Porterfield, Kenneth Kottwitz and wife Jessica Kottwitz, Kelly Kottwitz Morgan and husband Christopher Morgan, Christy Kottwitz, Hunter Kottwitz and wife Lindsey Kottwitz; and her great grandchildren Aubrey Lehman, Meghan Lehman, Tanner Porterfield, Kayden Kottwitz, Kacer Kottwitz, and Hudson Morgan.
The Kottwitz family wishes to thank her caregivers and their team for all of the support and love they showed Jalna in her last years of life.
There will be a private family internment at a future date in honor of Jalna's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, or charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jalna Kottwitz
Sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals.
2 Entries
Marlene Fischer
May 4, 2025
Billie, I just hear the sad news about my dearest of old friends
The time we spent together at UT were some of the best memories I have. So sorry for your loss and my sincerest sympathies to you and your
family. With much love from
Marlene Fischer
Toby Myers
March 4, 2025
Jalna and I were classmates at the University of Texas. I remember her well--beautiful, glowing, friendly, active, and very much in love with Billy. Even though we both lived in Houston, I don't remember ever knowing she was here. I hope in her crossing that the river was kind.
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