Janice "Jan" Joann (Leach) Gilliland

Janice “Jan” Joann Leach Gilliland, 73, born in Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 with her family holding her hand as she made the transition to Heaven to join her parents, Bill and Ann Leach; her beloved cousin, Jolene Wayland, and infant daughter Karen Ann James.

Jan met her soulmate, Johnny Gilliland, in 1976 and after only knowing each other for 5 weeks, they married as a blended family, raising son, Brian James, and daughters; Jeanne, Janice and Jamie.

Jan graduated from Richland High School in 1967 and then from Texas Wesleyan with a BA Education and UNT with a Master’s in Education.

Jan loved luncheons with her high school girl friends and enjoyed being the email contact for her RHS class of 67 activities. Connecting with her friends was a bright spot in her life.

Jan was a very active BARSP (Birdville Association of Retired School Personnel) member and served the organization as the former chairman of our Children's Book Project and current chairman of The Ann Leach Memorial. She retired from Carrie Frances Thomas Elementary and had previously taught at Holiday Heights Elementary.

Jan was a special light, full of energy and sweetness who loved her 14 acres in the center of the city, which is dedicated to wildlife and wild flowers. Working on her property and her garden was her pride and joy. Photos of her vegetable gardens won the North Richland Hills Photo Contest several times.

Jan was so passionate about life; especially when it came to her family and Scottish Terriers. Weekends were special to her; as she enjoyed watching all of her grandkids play baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, volleyball and cheer. Her favorite saying was “I have been going to kid’s ballgames for 23 years.”

She enjoyed traveling around the world on cruise ships and land tours, including Europe, China, South America and a recent trip on a river cruise to Central Europe.

Her travels include several road trips including Canada, the Carolinas and the Southwest US. She always wanted to see Mount Rushmore, which she did in 2021 on a “road trip.”

Jan is survived by her husband, Johnny Gilliland; son, Brian James (Jamie), daughter, Jamie Harris (Wyatt); grandsons, Will, Hunter, Jaxton, Walton and Holton and only granddaughter Brianna; sister, Linda Horst (Tom).

Jan's funeral is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 1:00 PM at Forest Ridge Funeral Home located at 8525 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX 76182. Reverend Nathan Tucker will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jan's life.

Graveside services and burial will be held at Bluebonnet 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.

In lieu of flowers please honor Jan by making a donation to the charity that means the most to you in her honor or to the Ann Leach-Janice Gilliland Memorial Fund at BARSP. Donations can be sent to Cheri Sizemore, BARSP Treasurer, 11616 Netleaf Lane, Fort Worth.