Janie Alexander, 1924–2020
Janie Alexander of Abilene transcended to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Christian servant leadership was demonstrated throughout her lifetime as a mother to many extended family members, volunteerism to her church, and service to her community. She was born in her family home on August 14, 1924, in New Ulm, Texas, to Henry and Ellie Hinkel. She was a graduate of Cat Spring and Bellville High Schools and attended nursing school at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.
During her nurse training, she met her future husband, Dr. Joe Alexander, while caring for him as a patient. They were married on October 16, 1946, in her family home.
Visitation was Tuesday, June 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, in the funeral home state rooms by the entrance closest to Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park.
After marriage, Janie worked as the clinical nurse at Alexander Clinic in Spur, Texas, for her husband, his father and brother. In 1957, Janie and Dr. Joe moved from Spur to Abilene, where she resided until her death. She was a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Propheteer Sunday School Class. For many decades, Janie headed the St. Paul Kitchen Guild, and organized the kitchen and fed members, especially during church funerals. A longtime member of the Pedal Pusher Group of the Abilene Garden Club, she was an avid gardener and known for her “green thumb” especially with African Violets. She was a member of the Cora Posey Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and Beauceants. Janie was a constant supporter of her husband in the Suez Temple during his time as Potentate of the Shrine Club.
Janie was a Girl Scout leader for both daughters and a longtime member-at-large on the Chisholm Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She proudly pinned the Eagle Scout award on the chest of both of her sons. For her service to the BSA, she was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1979.
Janie was preceded in death by parents Henry Hinkel and Ellie Keding Hinkel; husband, Dr. Joe P. Alexander; and son Dr. Dan Alexander. She is survived by son Dr. Joe Bob Alexander and wife, Donalyn, of Abilene; daughters Eunice Hamrick of Stephenville and Betsy Byrom of Gainesville; grandsons Ryan Alexander and wife, Heather, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Austin Alexander and wife, Kelsey, of Abilene; Cody Hamrick and wife, Heather, of Argyle; Alex Byrom of Gainesville; granddaughter Stephanie Hohertz and husband, Tim, of Stephenville; great-grandchildren Ashlee, Hank, Parker, MillieKate, BrantleyJo, Cash, Tate and Adilynn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul UMC Television Ministry, Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, or charity of choice.
Memories may be shared and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
