Jan was born May 21, 1951 and joked that she was born again in adoption on May 22, 1951 in Wichita Falls, Texas to the late John Thomas Roberts and Janie Roberts of Bonham, Texas.  Jan later discovered that she indeed had a brother and a sister that were still living from her biological family.  Jan celebrated her birthday on May 22.  On January 28, 1972, she was joined in marriage with Larry Dale Bell of Commerce, Texas.

Jan graduated from the former East Texas University; now as Texas A&M - Commerce with her major in Education and minor in Business.  Jan was an elementary and ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for many years until her health wouldn't allow it.  Jan was extremely talented as an ESL teacher, instilling "confidence" that transformed her students.  She had taught in the Decatur, Eagle Mountain - Saginaw ISD and Commerce School Districts.

Jan passed away surrounded by her loving family.  Jan had a long health struggle but she never gave up and never gave up on others. Surviving Jan is her husband, Larry Bell of Commerce, Texas, sister-in-law, Bridgett Bell, brothers-in-law, Ronald T. Bell and David Ray Bell, son-in-law, Doyle Shaw, brothers, Larry Richardson of Gainsville, Texas and John Roberts of Decatur, Texas, three grandchildren, Jessica Bishop, Cody Shaw, Kasey Sperry, nine great grandchildren, Jolee Sperry, Lukas Sperry, Baylee Sperry, Daniel Sperry, Cody Shaw II, Hunter Shaw, Katelyn Bishop, Grace Bishop, Caroline Bishop, Nephew, Seth Roberts, Nieces, Sara, Rebecca and Michelle Roberts, Heather Mashburn, and a host of friends and former students whose lives she touched.  Jan was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Roberts and Janie Belle (Davis) Roberts, daughter, Melody Shaw and her sister, Linda.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Commerce on Friday, July 6th, 2018.  Visitation with the family will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00.