Jane Larner

Jane Larner passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the age of 80.  She was born on September 26, 1944, in Texarkana, Arkansas, the youngest child of James Graves and Glyn Gorman Graves.

Growing up in Hooks, Texas, she was the little sister to two rambunctious and loving brothers.  After attending Texarkana Junior College, she spent a memorable summer in Dallas.  It was 1965.  She went on a first date with a guy named Eric to see the newly released film, “Sound of Music”.  Afterwards, they enjoyed pistachio ice cream at the Howard Johnson.  It was true love.  Jane and Eric married in 1966 and were long-time residents of Carrollton.

Jane went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Texas Women’s University. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD and served as a gifted and talented specialist for over 25 years.  She was a strong advocate for children’s education and particularly enjoyed collaborating with teachers while assisting them with their students.  She is remembered as an encouraging friend and co-worker.

Jane was an energetic person with many passions and talents.  She loved fishing and hiking on the family ranch in Dublin.  She was a gifted seamstress and made impeccable clothes, crafts and Halloween costumes.  She loved to cook, bake and organize.  She made beautiful jewelry and loved to garden.  She and Eric were Master Gardeners class of 2006, and they volunteered regularly in the Rain Catcher’s Garden. She was especially fond of trees, as Eric often told her “Trees are the answer”.

Jane’s greatest love in life was her family.  She was a devoted wife to Eric and mother to Karen and Austin.  She was always present at piano/dance recitals and soccer games.  Her favorite titles later in life were “Grammy” and “Mimi”.  She was a dedicated grandmother who delighted in her four grandsons and directed many creative, fun activities. Her smile truly transmitted love and grace to everyone who walked the journey of life with her.  She will be missed.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Jim Graves.  She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Eric Larner; her brother, Tom Graves; her daughter, Karen, husband Nick and grandsons, George and Gordon Sulkowski; her son, Austin, wife Annie and grandsons, Dalton and Remington Larner.

A memorial service will be held at Arapaho United Methodist Church in Richardson (1400 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson, Tx 75080) at 2pm Saturday March 8th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association, Inc. (6820 LBJ Freeway, Suite 3200, Dallas, Texas 75240- IMO Jane Larner)