Janis Lynne Johnson Hooton of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away suddenly on December 24, 2025. Janis was born on October 18, 1953, to Joyce and A.Q. Johnson in Vernon, Texas, and was a long awaited and deeply loved daughter. She grew up in Vernon and attended Vernon schools, graduating from Vernon High School in 1972. She entered Baylor University in the fall of that year and graduated from Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1976.

Janis returned to Vernon where she worked as a Social Worker for the State of Texas Welfare Department. Years later, she worked for the Vernon State Hospital, as a Social Worker and Case Manager, for many years. She was also employed by Vernon Savings and Loan. Janis was blessed with two daughters: Katherine Anne Hooton and Anna Li Hooton. Becoming a Mother was her most valued and cherished role.   She fiercely loved her girls and provided for and protected them above all else. She was a caring, loving and incredibly supportive Mother who was always deeply involved in her girls' lives. A standout volunteer at Fort Worth Country Day School for many years, Janis was always the first to hold up her hand for any opportunity, whether working at the Falcon Feeder during games, heading up the annual book fair, working in the cafeteria, the PFA and also served as a Substitute Teacher. She never missed a game, concert, recital, school or extracurricular event, and was always available to transport other kids home. Janis was also a loving and supportive stepmother to her two stepsons, Craig and Matt Hooton, helping them through school and into adulthood while serving as a strong role model for them.

Janis was known as a selfless volunteer in numerous organizations, particularly those involving rescuing animals. Along with her Dad, she was instrumental in starting the Wilbarger County Humane Society in Vernon, where a part of the shelter is named in her honor. She continued that work throughout her life and gave so much of herself for the welfare of others … both two and four legged.

Between her family and her bounty of friends, Janis was well loved and admired by so many. She was a caring and loving daughter to her parents, incredible sister to Julie, and a completely devoted Mother to her daughters. She always put the interests of others ahead of her own and was the definition of an extraordinary and selfless woman. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by many.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved daughter, Katherine. She is survived by her adored daughter, Anna; her sister, Julie Johnson Robertson; and her stepsons: Craig Hooton and Matt Hooton; and her step grandchildren: Clay Hooton and Peyton Hooton.

A private Memorial Service will be held to honor Janis' life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Janis' honor may be directed to Blue Diamond Recreation (Charitable organization for Veterans in Fort Worth), or Wilbarger Humane Society in Vernon, Texas.