Janet Decker Howell

Janet Decker Howell passed away on September 7, 2023, in Bryan, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. The Memorial will be held at 3:00 PM on March 9, 2024 at Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley, 1719 E 29th St, Bryan, TX 77802.

Born in New York to Gladys May and Benjamin Forbes Smith in 1940, Janet grew up in Summit, New Jersey, attending Penn Hall Preparatory School and Drew University. As a young person, Janet discovered a love of horseback riding, competing in hunter / jumper shows on her thoroughbred from the track. She also spent her time reading novels, books of philosophy, and driving sports cars.

Janet moved to California in the 1960s, where she studied for a real estate license and also was the principal of a secondary school, before deciding to pursue her graduate degree in Educational Psychology. She was awarded her PhD in the 1970s from the University of Southern California, and then taught at CSU Northridge and had a private practice. During this time, she and husband Jerry Howell welcomed daughter Jessica May (Jessamay).

Upon their divorce, Janet moved to Monterey, California, teaching psychology at Hartnell and Cabrillo Community Colleges. She was an active member of both the Emerson and Monterey Bay Unitarian Universalist church communities. She and Jessica loved the Pacific coast, exploring tidepools in Monterey Bay and hiking the Big Sur coastline with friends.

Janet had a keen interest in educational access and advancement. She designed a student success program for first-generation students at Hartnell College called ‘Connect for Success.’ She fostered lifelong learning in all whom she met. Janet was interested in financial investing, and holistic health. She was a loyal and dedicated friend. She loved to listen to classical music, to play piano (especially ‘Moonlight Sonata’), and to sing, with a ringing mezzo-soprano voice.

In 2004, Janet retired and moved to Lake Wildwood, a lakeside community in Penn Valley, California. At Lake Wildwood, she enjoyed antiquing, attending art and collecting clubs, as well as participating in wildflower walks at the South Yuba River. She cared for the family’s two horses, Hopi and Kate, and her black chihuahua, Bonnie. Janet visited Jessica and her family while they were working in London, England, and was there to welcome her first grandchild, Mira. Other favorite travel destinations included Kauai, Scotland, Denmark, and France.

In 2021, Janet relocated to College Station, Texas, to be closer to family. She proudly watched granddaughter Mira practice horseback riding, and loved spending time with grandson Luca. Janet is predeceased by her first husband, Robert “Bob” Reynolds. She is survived by her daughter Jessica May Howell (Anatol Bologan), grandchildren Mira and Luca Forbes Bologan, as well as former husband Jerry Howell, step-daughter KatRyn Howell, and step-grandchildren Steffanie Harper, and Deanna, Amber, and Brandon Bowerman. She also lives on in the memory of longtime friends and the many lives she touched.

Treasured friends and family members say the following of Janet: “Your mother was such a positive force in the world. She cared very deeply & always gave her all.”  “She taught me so much.” “She leaves countless memories of her wit, her caring, and her indomitable spirit.” “She loved you so very much and was so, so, so very proud of you. You and your family were the center of her life.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute gift to Drew University, ‘Sammie’s Friends’ Nevada County Animal Shelter, or Hospice Brazos Valley.