Janice B. Loftus

Jan Loftus was born in Wilson County, North Carolina, on November 16, 1938, the only daughter of Ralph and Zilphia Eagles Bland. She graduated from South Edgecombe High School in 1956 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (then Woman’s College). She later completed her master’s degree at the University of Maryland.

Jan devoted 32 years to teaching at Laurel High School, where she shaped and inspired generations of students with her patience, dedication, and deep love for learning. After retiring from education, she continued her professional life working in a CPA office, serving her community with the same steadiness and integrity she brought to her teaching career.

Jan devoted countless hours to serving her community with dedication, humility, and a quiet strength that made a lasting impact. She served faithfully as Treasurer for Laurel Presbyterian Church; the American Association of University Women (Laurel branch); and for the Whispering Woods Condominium Association (Ocean City, MD).

In addition to her formal leadership roles, Jan was actively involved in the West Laurel Homeowners Association, the Prince George’s Mental Health Association and other local community groups, always offering her time, insight, and steady presence wherever she was needed. Her commitment to service reflected her deep love for her community and her belief in giving back in every way she could.

Jan was preceded in death by her second husband, Joseph Loftus, who passed away in 2018 and her first husband, Charles Stanton, who passed away in 2023.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Ann Taylor, and son‑in‑law, John Taylor; her granddaughter, Kelly Davenport (Taylor), and Kelly’s husband, Allen Davenport; and her two great‑grandchildren, Taylor Davenport and Parker Davenport.

Jan is also remembered by Joseph’s daughters: Sandra Holland and Linda Heskett, Grandchildren: Nicole Hommel, Johanna Heskett (predeceased), and Joshua Heskett; Great grandchildren: Audrey Hommel, Autumn Hommel, Benjamin Heskett, and Isabella Heskett. In addition, she is loved by her many cousins.

She is remembered for her faith, her service to Laurel Presbyterian Church, and her unwavering commitment to family and community, expressing her love by “doing for others.”

She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research https://www.bcrf.org

or to the Brain Injury Association of America in honor of those living with traumatic brain injury. https://biausa.org/