Obituaries

Jan Allan Mills
July 15, 1957 – February 20, 2025 Jan Allan McDaniel Mills, 67, of Denton, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family on February 20, 2025, after a graceful and courageous battle with Cholangiocarcinoma. Born in Houston, Texas, on July 15, 1957, Jan was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and humor. Preceded in death by her parents, William Howard McDaniel and Rozella Mae Adams McDaniel, Jan is survived by her daughter, Jill Gorman Coss, and son-in-law, Grant Coss; daughter, Molly Gorman Cowell, and son-in-law, Trevor Cowell; grandchildren, Tucker and Hallie Coss, and Mack Cowell; her sister, Amy McDaniel; as well as nephews Daniel and Ryan Gomez and niece Lisa Martinez. She will also be dearly missed by countless family, friends, colleagues, and those who found comfort in her warmth and wisdom. Jan’s professional journey was a testament to her dedication and leadership. She spent many years as a middle school math teacher in Italy ISD and Irving ISD before transitioning into educational technology. Her career included roles as the Director of Instructional Technology in Irving ISD and as an Ed Tech sales leader for companies such as Apple, AlphaSmart, Renaissance Learning, Pearson, Agile Mind, Edmodo, and ClassLink. Her innovative thinking and passion for education earned her recognition as a Top Sales Leader at Apple, AlphaSmart, and ClassLink, as well as a spot on the Top Women Leaders in SaaS list in 2018. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jan was an avid golfer, a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, and an enthusiast of Broadway musicals, games, and puzzles. She also loved to travel, exploring new places and sharing those experiences with loved ones. Jan was especially proud of her leadership role as Past President of the Women’s Golf Association at Hackberry Creek Country Club, where she fostered a sense of community and camaraderie. Known for her inclusivity, kindness, and strategic mind, Jan was a mentor to many and excelled at building relationships in both her personal and professional life. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a helping hand, or simply her sense of humor, she made an impact on all those fortunate enough to know her. Jan’s love for people, her ability to make everyone feel valued, and her unwavering generosity will forever be part of her enduring legacy. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the many who circled around Jan with comfort, care, and fellowship the past couple of years, especially during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jan’s memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Donation. https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/ A Celebration of Life will be held on March 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse, 9428 Ed Robson Cir, Denton, TX 76207. Jan’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Condolence Messages

12 Responses

  1. Jan was always kind and patient, even in tough times. I’m grateful to have worked with her, and she will be missed.

  2. If there was ever a woman who could handle anything with a smile and a little sass it was JAN!!! She was one of the good ones. The world is surely dimmer without her in it. God bless her family.

  3. God bless you all as you face the earthly letting go of good Jan. She is absolutely soaring right now as she travels the universe and hits holes-in-one with every swing.

    She gave her all and you will forever feel her presence in your lives. Look forward to her visits in your dreams — such a delight each time it happens!

  4. Beautiful tribute for a wonderful mother, grandmother and family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope that the comfort of God will help you ease the pain.

  5. As a fellow Irving High School Tiger Class of 1975 I will miss seeing Jan at our 50th Reunion Oct 4. I am so very sorry for all that she went through with the liver cancer, transplant and then getting cancer again. I know it had been so hard on the family and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers for comfort and peace. May her joyous spirit still fill your hearts with love. She will be missed.

  6. Wonderful memories and fun adventures with Jan and my sister Molly. Sending heartfelt sympathy to family and friends in her passing.

  7. What a beautiful expression of Love! Jan was all this for sure. She will be remembered and loved. Thank you.

  8. Beautiful tribute to your Mom. She will be missed but always in our hearts with so many loving memories 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

  9. My heartfelt condolences to all of Jan’s family. Jan was a true friend to me, and I loved her smile and sense of humor. I hope to see her again in a better place.

  10. My deepest condolences. Jan was one of a kind. She will be greatly missed. Sending you all love and peace during this difficult time. ❤️

  11. I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was such a wonderful person that always put students first. A great supporter of public education no matter which role she was in. She will be greatly missed.

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