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Janice Corbin Obituary
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Janice Anne Howell Corbin Jan Corbin loved music all her life. She passed away peacefully in her home in Clear Lake, Texas, on April 1, 2005, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 54 years old. She is survived by her husband, Dan Corbin of Clear Lake, Texas; her mother, Mary Helen Howell; her brother, Watson M. Howell, Jr.; and her niece, Elizabeth Ann Howell of Austin, Texas; and her sister, Marilyn Jean Howell of Augsburg, Germany. Born in Houston, Jan and her family moved to Austin where she attended Brentwood Elementary, Pearce Junior High School, and Reagan High School. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. Jan was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin where she sang in the choir throughout school and college. With her sister, Marilyn, she sang in Amahl and the Night Visitors at both Reagan High School and U.T. Among performances at U.T., she sang Adele in Die Fledermas and Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos. She toured professionally as a coloratura soprano with the National Opera Company for several years, frequently performing the difficult female role in Daughter of the Regiment. Later with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston, she starred in Pirates of Penzance, Trial by Jury and Patience. Employed by San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas for more than 20 years, most recently she worked at the Central Campus where she directed two choirs, and taught individual students. She played an active role in recruiting students for band, orchestra, and choir and served as Chairperson for Fine Arts. She was very involved in planning the new music building on the central campus, where a memorial service will be held on April 15, 2005, at 2:00 o'clock p.m. A Student Scholarship Fund is being founded in her name. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Jan Corbin Student Scholarship Fund, Music Department, San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505, Attention, Geneva Fort, Administrative Assistant
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Memories and Condolences
for Janice Corbin
Sherry Ann Hardeo
March 9, 2025
Jan Corbin gave me my first scholarship for vocal music in Community College as an honor society graduate from high school. She was the inspiration for many of my hairstyles after college and the wonderful music she taught us as well as the wonderful pieces she and Ms. Robbins trained me for kept me alive through military service and nursing career-still now I remember her with great fondness. May her soul rest in peace and her family be blessed.
Le
April 30, 2005
I remember asking Mrs. Corbin when she was young if this is exactly what she wanted to be. She said to me that all she wanted was to direct a choir when she was younger. So she did make that a reality. But I was astonished. A woman being the head chair of the music department. I too had Mrs. Corbin for one summer and she assisted me in getting a music scholarship at San Jac. I was also in her chior class. I have had alot of music teachers. There are a few that you will never forget.
I believe that Mrs.Corbin is definitely one of them. Her charisma and desire shines when she leads the chior or teaches you individually. I recall a couple of times, her arm flairing like she was so excited...it make the chior want to sing just as hard as she was directing.
Some poeple who love music never get to live their life as it where apart of their every day life. Just for that, I think she got to live her passion and she will stay in my memory with that lasting thought.
Laura Garcia
April 21, 2005
As I am writing this, I still can't believe Mrs. Corbin is no longer with us. I attened San Jac 1997-2000. I was a Music Education Major and played in the bands. Mrs. Corbin was always there for me if I ever needed help with anything. I was never in choir, however I asked her if I could take voice lessons one summer, even though I was an instrumental major.
She said that she'd love to and was really excited about it! I didn't have much of a good voice, but that summer I fell in love with singing! She helped me discover a beautiful voice inside of me. I was singing all the time and couldn't wait to take voice lessons again the following summer! Before I transfered to the University of North Texas in 2000, I took one last summer voice lessons with her. We had a great time! We worked on songs from my favorite musicals. She taught me so much about music and singing.
I am now an elementary music teacher and teach over 700 students. I will teach my students what she taught me. So, in a special way, Mrs. Corbin will live on through NOT only me and the students she encountered, but she will also live on through the students WE continue to teach.
Mrs. Corbin, I will dearly miss you and will never forget you. I will always love you and I thank you so much for everything you've done for me...Heaven's Choir of Angels are lucky to have a new member. :)
Holly Sobolik - Strickland
April 18, 2005
I have been in choir or involved in music my whole life. Then I came to San Jac in 1998 thinking I needed to get a degree that I could "do something with." So, I tried Restaurant Management. After 1 semester I was so miserable without my music, that I went and talked with Jan Corbin. I joined the very next day and was in the SJCC music department for the next 5 years - and ended up getting my Associate Degree, in music performance. Mrs. Corbin is probably the one person that has had the MOST influence in my life. She was so lively, energetic, and FULL of LOVE FOR MUSIC!! That is what kept me going on the days I felt like I just couldn't get it, or sing it right. I don't think I've ever heard a negative comment come out of that woman's mouth. I only wish that I could live my life, the way she lived hers. If I come even close, then that will make me happy. I now am going to try to get back into my music, no matter what - because you shouldn't go through life not doing what you love. Jan lived her life doing what she loved and now she will sing forever in the angel's choir. Perhaps she'll get a chance to be a guest director as well :) We will all miss her shining aura, here on earth, but know that she watches over each and every one of us every day. WE LOVE YOU MRS. CORBIN! Thank you for the gift of your presence in our lives and for all that you've taught us. Love Always, Holly
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marisa dyess
April 17, 2005
what to say... its hard to come up with words that describe the mark that Mrs. Corbin left on my...well all our lives-especially without crying. She was a beautiful person full of vigor and life. Out of all the voice teachers and choir directors i have ever had, she takes the cake. She could turn a tone deaf toad into opera headliner. My hat's off to you Mrs. Corbin, I know your directing the angel choir now so send a couple of those hallelujas this way- we'll listen when the wind blows.
Amy Phillips
April 17, 2005
Ms. Corbin was my choir teacher for three years and I was her student assistant for two of them. She was the kind of person you just wanted to be around. She was a light that people gravitated to. She is one of the most influential people in my life. I loved her like I loved my own mother. My heart aches that she is gone, but if anyone deserver’s heaven, she does. I will never forget her and what she taught me about music, but mostly, what she taught me about life. I love you Ms. Corbin. Amy
Fabiola Amarir
April 16, 2005
I loved her so much, I only wish I could have seen her again. She was like my second mom. Wow, I will surely miss her. She was my inspiration. She believed in me and boy was she one happy spunky lady! If it was not for her believing in me, I would not be here now pursuing this career in opera. I will miss her so much. May she now sing wish the angels in heaven where she truly belongs. God loved her so much he just snatched her away to a better place. I guess it's true what they say about God taking the best to be with him. She was the best of the best. She will always be in my heart! I love YOU JAN CORBIN. I pray to see you in Heaven one day soon! God bless the Angel that flew among us with invisible wings and a smile so kind you knew she was extraordinary by just being around her. As a student of hers, I can surely say she was my miracle messenger from God. Thank you Mrs. Corbin for being there for me and for my friends as well in choir; we will never forget you.
Fabiola Pena Amarir
Kathy Surrey
April 14, 2005
The last time I spoke with Jan Corbin, she was encouraging me, pushing me, and telling me I could do anything I set my mind to. I will always remember and appreciate her spunk, her liveliness, and her absolute love for music. She was the little dark-haired, doe-eyed, petite angel that helped keep me inspired and reminded me why I sing. Thank you Jan...God speed.
Benji Leal
April 13, 2005
Ms. Corbin was my choir teacher and most importantly, my voice teacher in the early 90's. She believed in this insecure, bumbling guy, and assured me that I was a winner. Because of her belief, I learned to stand tall, sing out, and respect myself! Oh yeah, and that sopranos can teach tenors to sing!:0)
Thank you Ms. Corbin for everything. I LOVE YOU!
Kimberly Ellison
April 13, 2005
The very first time I met Jan Corbin, she challenged me. It made me so mad :). Knowing her the short time I did made me see just how worth it everything was. I will miss her kind face but I will do what she would want all of us to do and that is to be the very best I can be.
Karen Gilligan
April 11, 2005
I had the joy and honor of knowing Jan Corbin for just over a year; but I have never seen one individual positively affect so many people on a daily basis. I saw her as a very bright light, that not only guided and inspired those it shined on, but also warmed their hearts. We love and miss her greatly.
Joyce Jenke
April 5, 2005
I lost touch with your family, but you all have a special place in my heart. My parents lived next door to Jan on Wheless Lane. My deepest sympathy to you all. Joyce Kurio Jenke
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