Jan Wilson passed away in the Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington on Tuesday morning March 17th 2026. She was the daughter of Henry Gray and Leone Searcy Wilson. Jan was born on September 26, 1946 in Batesville, Arkansas and lived there through her high school years. She graduated from Batesville High School in May 1964.

Jan attended St. Edwards School of Nursing in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she became a registered nurse. After graduating, she moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma to begin work at the Veterans Administration Hospital. She then moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1984, and continued working for the VA Where she was the head nurse for the Cardiac Care Unit until her retirement in 1998.

In the early 2000’s Jan moved to Norfork, Arkansas on the banks of the White River where she helped build what became the Wilson Family Farm on Serenity Lane for her extended family to enjoy. She spent many happy years there, hosting sleepovers, fishing, searching for morels, jarring jelly and pickles, and entertaining family and friends who loved to “come to the river.”

Coinciding with her nursing gifts of service to others, Jan was always a giver - of her time, her caring spirit, her love of children and animals. She loved to cook for friends and family, and was always ready to play the “Family Card game” or Scrabble.

Dealing with health issues, Jan moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live with family and subsequently to Bellingham, Washington where she spent her final days overlooking Bellingham Bay, playing at the dog park, and playing Wii bowling.Which she dominated.

Jan was predeceased by her parents and brother, Steve N. Wilson. She is survived by her niece, Stephanie Wilson-Scott and husband Paul; by nephew, Joshua Wilson, and sister - in - law, Jo Wilson all of Bellingham, WA. She also leaves behind great nephews Rowe and Beck Wilson-Scott and great niece, Sujina Wilson-Scott; cousins Elizabeth Bunch, Laura and son Dane Roach of Batesville as well as her beloved God Son Taylor Handford of Little Rock, and numerous friends across the country.

A Zoom service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 4:00 pm, central time. Please RSVP with the QR Code in the memorial photo below, then the Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Donations in Jan’s memory may be made to the Food Bank of Central Arkansas, where Jan served on the board for many years.

Food Bank of Central Arkansas

1042 Highland Circle

Mountain Home, AR 72653

www.foodbanknca.org

You can also make a contribution to Whatcom Hospice. These are the amazing angels who helped take care of Jan in her final hours.

Whatcom Hospice Foundation

2901 Squalicum Parkway

Bellingham, WA 98225

www.whatcomhospice.org