Janice Flathers

Janice Schuster Flathers was born to Onno Amos Schuster and Dorothy Shuler Schuster in Beaver, Oklahoma, on January 22, 1941. She grew up in a farming family in Perryton, Texas. She was raised with a love of the land and the art of farming.

Janice attended school in Perryton, TX. She and Neal moved to Stephenville, TX for him to attend Tarleton College. Later, they moved to Lubbock, TX for Neal to complete his degree from Texas Technological College, now known as Texas Tech University. During the years in college, both of their children were born, Janeal Flathers Hand and Clayton Keith Flathers.

After graduation, they moved to Gruver, TX where Neal taught Vocational Agriculture and Janice was a mom, housewife and a great supporter of the students in extra-curricular activities. Neal made a career change to agricultural banking, and they made several moves to Seminole, Brownfield, Canadian, and Booker, TX. In every community, Janice was not only a mom, but a tremendous cook, gardener, booster club member, bridge club member, active supporter of all school activities, a member of the Booker Bank Notes and friends to so many. In the early 1980’s, Janice became a realtor and began a long, successful career for over 40 years. In 1992, Neal and Janice moved back to Perryton to Janice’s family home.  After many years of a career in real estate, farming and ranching, Neal and Janice moved to Lubbock, TX to be closer to family and medical facilities.

Janice had a successful real estate career with many professional awards received over the years. She received the top award of Centurion Producer given by Century 21. She was named Top Agent for several years. Janice served on the Chamber of Commerce board as a member and as President for a year. She also served on the Perryton Club board for a number of years and was elected the first woman president of the board. Janice enjoyed her membership in The Red Hat Society with a large collection of beautiful hats and a wonderful collection of great memories and friends across all ages. Janice was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Perryton, TX.

Janice and Neal were true advocates of Texas Tech University and especially the Red Raider Athletics as season ticket holders for several decades. They were both thrilled when the Flathers Family was honored in 2015 as Texas Tech Farming Family of the Year. However, nothing could compare to the love of watching their five grandsons in all their activities. Janice, or Meme, as so many knew her, also attended most activities of her great-grandchildren.

Janice enjoyed her collection of Christmas decorations. Her home was decorated beautifully, inside and out, every Christmas. She loved to needlepoint and made gorgeous Christmas stockings for every member of her family.

Janice and Neal were devoted alumni and contributors to Texas Tech University. Janice was also an advocate for Meals on Wheels, South Plains Food Bank and the Salvation Army,

Janice is survived by her children, Janeal Flathers Hand of Lubbock, TX, Clay Flathers and partner, Cameron Wyatt of Dallas, TX, five grandsons, Matt Morrow and wife, Lindsey of Lubbock, TX, Camron Flathers and wife, Mallory of Celina, TX, Collin Flathers and wife, Jordan of Dallas, TX, Mark Hand of Lubbock, TX and Colby Flathers of Lubbock, TX, great-grandchildren, Maddie and Conner Morrow, Messer and Ford Flathers and Kennedy Flathers, one sister-in-law, Barbara Williams of Amarillo, Texas, nieces and nephews, Linda and Gary Greenstreet, Ronda and Tom Hill, Julie and Rick Black, Sherry Morrison, Ed and Jennifer Haar, special friends, Lisa Flathers and Kerry Wimberly and many great-nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Neal Flathers, parents, O.A. and Dorothy Schuster, parents-in-law, Erroll and Maurine Flathers, son-in-law, Coach Jim Hand, brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Holly Schuster and brother, Donald Schuster.

Janice Flathers was a true matriarch and supporter, and she will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Janice died in Lubbock, Texas on October 29, 2023.

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