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Lois Janet (Patterson) Turnbull

DENTON, Texas – Lois Janet (Patterson) Turnbull passed away Nov. 11, 2013, at her home in Denton, Texas, after a valiant struggle with complex medical challenges.

Janet was born May 21, 1938, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to Jack and Maxine Patterson, who preceded her in death as did her brothers, Jerry and Jack, and husband Paul Turnbull.

She is survived by her sister, Lynn Allnutt of Gaithersburg, Md.; son, David Fitzpatrick of Sanger, Texas; daughters Kelly (Fitzpatrick) Dozier of Denton and Darby Fitzpatrick-Reber of Las Vegas, Nev.; sons-in-law, Kelly Dozier of Denton and Rod Reber of Las Vegas; daughter-in-law, Michelle Fitzpatrick of Sanger; grandchildren, Devin Dozier of La Porte, Texas, Hunter Dozier of Denton, Kenzie Dozier of Denton and Finnegan Reber of Las Vegas; and granddaughter-in-law, Donna Dozier of La Porte.

Janet attended public schools in Salem, Ohio, graduating in 1956 from Salem High School. She attended Ohio University and Kent State University before moving to Denton with her children and their father Lloyd Fitzpatrick in 1970 where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and all coursework toward her PhD, specializing in child development and early childhood education at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). Janet taught kindergarten through sixth grade during 33 years with the Birdville, Texas, school district while offering numerous courses in her specialty for the Tarrant County, Texas Community College system.

Janet had eclectic interests including tennis, golf, the arts, theater, music, literature and travel, but her real passion was her children and grandchildren, and those fortunate enough to be in her classroom. Janet was always popular, someone you just wanted to be with. She was friend to many, inspiration to all who knew her, always there for those in need of her wisdom and counsel. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and courageous human being who will be missed, but never forgotten by so many she touched in so many ways.

Janet’s family wishes to extend a special thanks to all her dear friends and physicians who loved and cared for her.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held to celebrate Janet’s life at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the Denton Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation is made to the Birdville Education Foundation (birdvilleeducationfoundation.com) in memory of Janet.

11/20/13

(Paid obituary)