Janis Altom, 79, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. She was born on June 26, 1947, in Abilene, Texas, the oldest daughter of Carl and Helen Jensen.

Janis graduated from Abilene High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX in 1969. While attending Hardin-Simmons, she participated in a mission trip to Indiana. On the bus ride home, she happened to sit next to Bill Altom. That encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. They began dating soon after and were married in 1970, sharing more than 56 years together.

Janis taught school for a few years in Fort Worth, Abilene and Irving. In 1974, she and Bill returned to Abilene when Bill joined the family business. During that season of life, they became licensed foster parents and welcomed 26 foster children into their home over the next decade. She was a loving mom who supported her sons and enjoyed being a Grammy as well.

Known for her servant's heart, Janis loved caring for others through hospitality. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, as well as sewing and quilting. Her love of fabric and extensive collection were well known and used to make countless quilts enjoyed by many.

Faith was the foundation of Janis' life. She faithfully served for many years at First Baptist Church of Abilene as Preschool Coordinator. Later, she and Bill became deeply involved with the Hardin-Simmons University Baptist Student Union, where Janis prepared countless meals for students and mission teams, along with helping Bill with his chocolate chip cookies. In recognition of their extraordinary commitment to Christian service, Hardin-Simmons University honored Bill and Janis in 2000 as the first recipients of The Altom Christian Service Award, an award that continues to be presented.

Janis also developed a passion for genealogy. She spent countless hours researching family histories through visits to cemeteries and libraries before later contributing genealogical records to Ancestry.com, helping preserve family histories for future generations.

In 2021, Bill and Janis moved to Tennessee to be near their youngest son, Drew, and his family. They became active members of Indian Lake Peninsula Church and the Bobby Morris Sunday School Class, where they quickly formed treasured friendships.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Helen Jensen, and her sister, Joyce Whitbread.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Altom; her sons, Daniel Altom and wife Leah of Magnolia, TX, and Drew Altom and wife Jennifer of Hendersonville, TN; and her beloved grandchildren, Isaac, Jensen, Caleb, Katelyn, and Elissa. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends whose love and support have been a great comfort to her family.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Chosen Helping Hands, the caring staff and friends at Park Place Retirement Center, and the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness they showed Janis during her final years.

A memorial service celebrating Janis' life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10 am at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas.