Doris Emilie Van Jahnke

Doris Emilie Van Jahnke, longtime resident of Live Oak, Florida, recently residing at Willow Brook Assisted Living in Lake City, Florida, persevered in her last days eagerly awaiting our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. She went to her heavenly home on January 11, 2026. She was 94 years young.

For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 NKJV.

Doris was born on June 18, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, the only child of the late Paul T. and Hedwig (Molter) Meyer. She grew up in Bayside, Queens, NY with her loving parents.

She had a career in Marketing working throughout the 1960's with American Home Magazine in NYC. Many of her contemporaries became lifelong friends. It was in these circles of "Ad Men of Madison Avenue" that she met her beloved husband William L. Van Jahnke who predeceased her in 1981.

Left to cherish her memory, son, Victor and wife Donna Van Jahnke of Dingmans Ferry, PA, grandchildren, Cortney Van Jahnke and husband Henry Fernandez of Brooklyn, NY; Chad and wife Allison Van Jahnke of Dingmans Ferry, PA; Colin Van Jahnke and wife Mary Rake of Dingmans Ferry, PA; William and wife Roselind Van Jahnke of Sherman, TX; and Kyle Van Jahnke of Lake Worth, FL. Along with many great grandchildren, and cousins in Germany.

She was predeceased by sons Richard Van Jahnke of Dallas, TX; and Peter Van Jahnke of Dallas,TX.

Doris resided for many years in Live Oak, Florida. Upon retirement, Doris and her beloved husband Bill first moved to Luraville, Florida from Hampton Township, NJ where the conservationist in Bill had hopes of establishing a tree farm. After Bill's passing, Doris moved to Live Oak.

Doris was very involved in the Live Oak community where she was known to take her service seriously. She will be fondly remembered by her Live Oak friends as "The General." She loved to serve with these women whom she also considered dear friends. She often spoke fondly of her friends and club events to her family.

She was crowned Queen of the Red Hats on October 18, 2016 and Ruled until January 16, 2024. She enjoyed getting together with these light hearted women with their colorful boas.

She joined the Live Oak Woman's Club in 1978 and served as their President from May 1984 until May 1986. These ladies create events to raise funds for the schools, victims of domestic abuse and the pregnancy care center. She was a Charter member of the Live Oak Artist Guild and served as President from 1982 - 1984. She was a talented painter and watercolorist. She had many beautiful finished works of art adorning her home.

Doris believed in Jesus Christ and was a parishioner of the First Methodist Church of Live Oak, Florida. The Church family and Pastor have been a great comfort to Doris especially in her declining years. She very much appreciated the visits and kindness of the Pastor, his wife Ann, and her many friends who have been there for her over the years.

A visitation will be held at Daniels Funeral Home, 1126 Ohio Avenue North, Live Oak, Florida on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1-3 pm with a memorial service at 3 pm. Pastor Bill Payne of the First Methodist Church of Live Oak will be officiating the service.

All are invited to partake in a late luncheon and fellowship immediately following the service provided by the First Methodist Church of Live Oak at the church hall located at 311 Ohio Avenue South, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Doris will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Flushing Cemetery, Flushing, NY. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the First Methodist Church of Live Oak would be greatly appreciated as they continue their outreach programs to the community. First Methodist Church of Live Oak, 311 Ohio Avenue South, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Please sign the online guestbook and keep the family in your prayers.