Janie Popnoe, 93, of Abilene, and former Coleman resident, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Wesley Court Senior Living in Abilene.  She was born Jane Doris Norman on October 31, 1927 in Abernathy to J.D. Norman and Opal Jarrett Norman.  At a young age, Janie’s family moved to Colorado City where she grew up.  She graduated from high school in Colorado City in May, 1945.  She then attended McMurry University and transferred to Howard Payne University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1963.  She later went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a Master in Education degree in English and history.

While attending McMurry University, Janie met Barney Popnoe.  They married on March 3, 1946 in Albany.  Janie began her teaching career that spanned 28 years, teaching in Talpa and in Coleman schools.  Janie was a charter member of the Big Country Master Gardner’s Association and was a certified landscape designer.  She held the position of president, secretary and treasurer of the Town and Country Garden Club and volunteered with Keep Coleman Beautiful organization.  In 2009, Janie was honored by the citizens of Coleman and named Citizen of the Year.  Janie was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey David Popnoe and wife, Kathy Morrison Popnoe, of Round Rock; two sisters, Irene Norman of Fort Worth, Sara Norman Lee of Waco; two grandsons, Joshua Darryl Popnoe of Plant City, Florida, Noah David Popnoe of Round Rock; three great granddaughters, Chloe Popnoe of Round Rock, Amber Popnoe of Round Rock and Jaiden Elizabeth Popnoe of Plant City, Florida.  Also surviving is one niece, Rebecca Lee Maxwell and husband, Bradley Maxwell, of Waco and two nephews, Ralph Norman Lee and wife, Diana Lee, of Waco and James Curtis Lee and wife, Kim Lee, of Little Elm.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents and the love of her life, Barney, on November 3, 2013.

It was Janie’s request to be cremated.  There will be a private family inurnment at the Silver Valley Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Those wishing to leave condolences and remembrances for the family may do so via the virtual guestbook at www.stevensfuneralhome.com/obituary/Janie-Popnoe.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Popnoe family.