Janice Gay Windham

September 22, 1938 – May 6, 2026

Janice Gay (Hoff) Windham passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87, leaving behind a profound legacy rooted in her devotion to faith and family, her pioneering spirit in education, and her deep stewardship of the Texas land she loved.

Born in Kenedy, Texas, on September 22, 1938, to Sam Ervin and Ruthie Mae (Gordon) Hoff, Janice grew up in the Pawnee community. After graduating from Pawnee High School in 1957, she pursued her education with characteristic determination, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960 and later a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas San Antonio in 1975.

In 1960, Janice married her high school sweetheart, Leslie Noel Windham. Their 51-year journey together was defined by adventure and service. As a military spouse, Janice was the bedrock of her family through postings at Ft. Lee, Virginia; Hanau, Germany; Bangkok, Thailand; Seoul, Korea; and several Texas bases. She stood strong through Noel’s two tours in Vietnam and military career, teaching at Harlandale Junior High School, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Thailand, and at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base, serving as an educational counselor for the 8th Army in Korea, and teaching at JL Williams Junior High School in Copperas Cove.

Janice was a trailblazer in Texas education. Her career culminated at Judson High School, where she served from 1980 until her retirement in 2003. She broke barriers as one of the school’s first female administrators, championing the Academic Decathlon, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement programs. Her leadership was instrumental in Judson being recognized as a national Blue Ribbon School, an achievement that took her to Washington, D.C., to receive the honor.

Upon retiring from education, Janice returned to her roots. Alongside her sister, Pam, she took over management of the Hoff Ranch, a century-old family operation established by her great-grandfather in 1890. She was deeply proud of the ranch’s 100-year designation by the Texas Family Land Heritage Foundation and was an ardent conservationist, earning recognition from the NRCS for her dedication to the land.

Always involved in the church, Janice especially enjoyed serving at Coker UMC, and Pawnee UMC where her contributions as administrative council chair, delegate to annual conference and pianist are particularly remembered. Her final years she attended Oak Meadows UMC where she was warmly welcomed. 

Janice’s life was full of vibrant interests. She was a “fierce” fan of Longhorn football, the Judson Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs. An avid traveler and reader, she explored the world, having visited every continent except Antarctica, yet she found her greatest peace in the annual fall trips to a cabin in Estes Park, Colorado, with Noel. Throughout life she was accompanied by her beloved animals, from cats, to cattle, to her faithful Brittany Spaniel, Max.

Above all, Janice was devoted to her family. Her grandchildren will forever cherish memories of summers at her pool in San Antonio, attending basketball camps at Judson, listening to her vivid stories of South Texas life in the 1950s, and simply sitting and talking about life, the ranch, and of course rain or lack thereof. 

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Sammie Don Hoff; and her beloved husband, Noel. She is survived by her daughters, Lesly Windham Haygood and Jennifer Lynne Windham (husband Richard Wells Sr.); her sister, Pamela Ruth (Hoff) Colvin and husband Jim; and her cherished grandchildren: Preston Windham Haygood (wife Katie), Hunter Gordon Haygood, Caleb Williams Haygood (wife Allie), Samuel Warren Haygood, and step-grandson Richard Wells Jr. (wife Laura). She also leaves behind three adored great-grandchildren, Henry Patton, Virginia Jane, and Melissa Ann Haygood; and her nieces and nephews, Chris Colvin, Clint Colvin, Corrie Williams,  Cathie Crain, Collin Windham  and Dylan Windham, and their families.

 Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas, followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the family ranch, and a private burial will be held at the Pawnee Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Preston Haygood, Hunter Haygood, Caleb Haygood, Samuel Haygood, Chris Colvin, and Clint Colvin.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Janice’s legacy may contribute to one of her cherished causes including the Major Sammie Don Hoff Veterans Endowment and Karnes County Humane Society.