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Jana Lou Seely (born Covington)

Personal

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: March 11, 1950

Date of Death: September 18, 2009

Death Place: Oklahoma City, OK

Jana Lou Seely

A celebration of the life of Deer Creek Educator Jana Lou Seely will be Friday, September 18 at 2 pm at Crossings Community Church at 14600 North Portland Ave., Oklahoma City. Jana Lou Seely passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 14, 2009. Jan was born March 11, 1949 to Bill and Louise Covington, the bubbly, energetic third of four daughters. She graduated from Putnam City High School then OSU with a degree in Special Education, dedicating her life to kids, wanting the best for each and every one. Jan lived life to the fullest and loved to the fullest. Passion that can’t be described! A perfect mate to Larry her husband of 38 years; awesome mother and best friend to her sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Melia, and Chris and Lilly. “GiGi” adored her precious grandchildren Conner, Collin, and Sophia and they delighted in being with her. Jan was anticipating with great joy the coming birth of Gabriella and Cole. Jan was treasured by her family, “the favorite Aunt Janny” to her many nieces and nephews, and loved by her multitude of dear close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deer Creek Enrichment Foundation, in memory of Jan Seely, 20701 N. MacArthur Blvd., Edmond, OK 73012. Services are under the direction of the Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Okla.

Published in The Edmond Sun on September 15, 2009


Sudden passing of longtime Deer Creek administrator leaves void
Patty Miller
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — On Monday, Jan Seely, director of elementary curriculum for Deer Creek Public Schools, passed away unexpectedly.

“Jan’s passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our community,” said Lenis DeRieux, personnel director.

Seely was employed in Deer Creek in 1980 as director of Special Education. In 1987, she became principal of Deer Creek Middle School. In 2001, she assumed the role of director of curriculum. Through the years her leadership has touched the lives of many, both personally and professionally.

“When I met Jan four years ago she was the ultimate professional,” said Keith Sinor, principal at Deer Creek High School. “She was someone I trusted and confided in a lot and I have the utmost respect for her. She was a great person who will be sorely, sorely missed.”

Sinor said Seely had the highest respect of her colleagues. He added she was level-headed, had a calm demeanor and would do anything in the world for anyone, and she wanted to see the students do well.

“It is a sad, sad day for me,” Sinor said Monday afternoon.

“Jan was a great person to work with and to laugh with,” said Athletic Director Bob Diefenderfer, “and she is going to be missed.”

Diefenderfer said Seely’s love of life was reflected in everything she touched.

“She loved life, and she loved kids, and she loved her family. Her husband, Larry, her children and grandchildren, they were her life,” Diefenderfer said.

Diefenderfer said her family lived down the street, and when he was born, 6-year-old Jan came to see the new baby.

“We were neighbors from way back. She was in school with my older brother, and she always told me about it. She was a fine woman and a great educator,” he said.

Prairie Vale Elementary Principal Michelle Anderson said, “Everybody loved her. She was so wonderful to work with. She had the biggest heart, she loved everyone and worked well with everyone.”

Anderson said Jan was a jack-of-all-trades who could identify with others and bring people together to bring out their best.

“She wasn’t pushing an agenda; she wanted to hear what other people had to say,” Anderson said. “She always wanted what was best for the children.”

Debbie Straughn, principal at Grove Valley Elementary, voiced the feelings of most of Deer Creek’s employees when she said, “We are in a state of shock.”

Straughn said she has worked with Seely for 14 years.

“As an educator Jan Seely is Deer Creek,” Straughn said. “She is one of the employees in the district that has been here the longest. Her dedication to the district was exemplary. You couldn’t have a better representative of the district than Jan.”

Straughn said Seely enjoyed life and her Oklahoma State University Cowboys and at every meeting Seely would have pictures of her grandchildren.

“She was a very outstanding individual,” Straughn said. “She helped me considerably in opening this new school. She worked very hard to make sure we had what we needed.

“If you describe Deer Creek you are describing Jan Seely.”

Seely was 60. She is survived by her husband, Larry and two sons, Scott and Chris.

Published in the Edmond Sun on September 14, 2009

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