Resident of the Month

At 86 years old, Janice Cawthorn has lived a life rich with stories and experiences. Born in West Texas, she spent the first 14 years of her life moving around the region with her family. The eldest of four siblings, she grew up with two sisters and one brother. One of her sisters was born with birth defects, including heart issues and severe hearing loss, which deeply shaped Janice’s sense of care and empathy.

Janice’s early years were marked by simple living. Her family lived in a small two-room house without a bathroom, and she often bathed in a metal tub. She began her education in Iowa Park, Texas, and later graduated from high school in Nocona, Texas. Janice has always loved learning and, to this day, dreams of returning to school because of her passion for education.

From a young age, she helped her father with his carpentry work, modeling homes, while also indulging in childhood hobbies like collecting bugs, lizards, and toads. Every summer, she looked forward to visiting her grandparents in Texas. She shared a special bond with her grandfather, who would eat the tops of biscuits while she ate the bottoms, as he had no teeth. Her grandmother baked fresh biscuits every morning and taught Janice how to cook and paint, always encouraging her with the belief that nothing was beyond her reach.

Janice went on to pursue a lifelong career in teaching, though her first job earned her only $7,000 a year. She’s always been passionate about civic responsibility, voting in every election and paying the poll tax to do so.

Beyond the classroom, Janice has lived a life full of interests and talents. She spent 10 years studying piano, developed a love for all kinds of music, and even raced sports cars at one point. Her adventurous spirit extended to her professional life, where she also worked with NASA’s student program.

These days, she enjoys Mexican food and chocolate cream pie, finds joy in helping others, and treasures the companionship of her 14-year-old cat, Maggie. Janice’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and service, a testament to a life well-lived.