Jan Summer
Austin - On June 25, 2021 Eva Janice Summer escaped the bodily restraints that had been so at odds with her adventurous and spirited nature, free to soar again. Jan was born February 13,1944 in Cherryville, North Carolina but spent the rest of her life exploring the many worlds and adventures that life presented.
A brilliant lawyer, faithful friend, loving partner and loyal family member, Jan lived her life joyfully, responsibly and with humility. Her home, whether in Austin, Houston or in the mountains of North Carolina was full of good food, music, arts and crafts, acceptance and joy. And, of course, at least one spoiled cat. From a family of builders, she seemed happiest when the smell of sawdust was in the air. It was not unusual to find Jan designing and overseeing home construction or renovation projects all resulting in colorful and imaginative dwellings.
A graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Texas Law School, Jan spent the majority of her career in public service. She first worked in the office of North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford, joining his initiative to improve public education. The opportunity to work with this dynamic, reform minded leader had a lasting influence on Jan's future involvement in politics and public service.
After law school, Jan served as law clerk to Chief Justice Joe Greenhill of the Supreme Court of Texas. She began her real estate practice with the law firm of Daugherty, Kuperman, Golden & Morehead in Austin. Her private practice was followed by several years with the University of Texas Office of General Counsel where her real estate skills proved invaluable in negotiating leases and managing University properties across Texas.
In 1993 Jan became the founding director of The Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution at the University of Texas School of Law. There she mentored community leaders, aspiring arbitrators and elected officials in their roles as facilitators for consensus. She served in that capacity for 17 years, retiring in 2010.
As a founding member of the Center for Women in law at UT, Jan played an important role in providing scholarships for aspiring young women law students. She was a contributing member of Leadership Austin and of the Women's Political Caucus. Jan was elected by her peers to the Board of the Austin Bar Association, where she served with distinction.
Jan's world travels started with her mother and her insatiable wanderlust continued throughout her life. Many friends and family members still enjoy sharing tales of their numerous travel adventures at home and abroad with Jan.
After her retirement, Jan's love of handmade objects led her to enroll in many classes at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. She studied wood shop and drawing, but her favorite craft, working with clay, became a big part of her life. Many lucky friends hold dear the colorful and beautiful objects she created.
We wish to express our gratitude to Pin Oak Caregivers who sent Remi, Oby, Trevana and Elizabeth to care tenderly for Jan as Alzheimer's took her voice and physical agility. Hospice Plus provided her compassionate nurses Shon and Marion.
She leaves behind three brothers of Cherryville North Carolina; Larry, Garry and Oren Summer and their wives, nieces and nephews, two godsons, many dear friends from across the country and her loving wife, Kay Little of Houston.
Memorial contributions in Jan's memory may be made to:
Ann Richards School Foundation
2309 Panther Trail, Austin Texas 78704
Annrichardsschool.org
Or
Travis Audubon – Chaetura Canyon
3710 Cedar Street, Box 5, Austin, Texas 78705
Travisaudubon.org
Or
Penland School of Crafts
Penland.org
Celebrations of Jan's life have been planned in Houston, Austin and soon to be announced in North Carolina:
Houston:
Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors
8303 Katy Freeway Houston Texas 77024
July 30th at 5:00 p.m.
Austin:
Chez Zee Gallery
5406 Balcones Drive Austin, Texas 78731
September 14th at 3:00 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Jul. 9 to Jul. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jan Summer

Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.

2 Entries

Vivian Holmes

August 5, 2021

Dear Kay and Family:
I am sorry to learn of Jan´s passing. What an accomplished person she was and it´s obvious she left a piece of herself in the hearts of those she crossed paths with. Jan was a wonderful neighbor and friend, and both of you shared an abundance of kindness to Jackie and me. I have kept those memories of Mountainview in my heart and anytime we drive by there we are always pleased to see it remains the same with the beautiful shade of purple, the rain barrels each with cascading copper chains and the birds on the fence caps; odd how just in those moments it´s as if time has stood still. Sending comfort and love and looking forward to celebrating Jan´s life in September.

Jens & Suzie B

July 11, 2021

What a wonderful tribute to Jan. I am fortunate to be one of the lucky folks who have one of her object's de art. I enjoyed working with Jan so very much for years. Our meetings in her office at the Dispute Resolution Center often turned to what she was going to make with the package of clay she had in a box on the floor. The first meeting we had at her home, I found myself immersed in a cornucopia of colors, shape and design features throughout her living room. Her Love of Alebrije Carved Dragons and figurines rubbed off on me as I also caught the bug and began collecting them. We would chat about our newest finds. What a wonderful life full of public service and firsts. Kay, we will keep you in our hearts and look forward to celebrating Jan at Chez Zee.. what a perfect location.

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