Jan Drue Robinson

At 2:00 a.m. on July 22nd 2019, beneath the twinkling lights of the Austin skyline, Jan Hatley Robinson, quietly and peacefully drew her last breath joining her loving husband Jack W. Robinson and her parents A.B. and Bertha Hatley.

Born Leah Jean Keller on February 21, 1936 in Oklahoma City, she was adopted by A.B. and Bertha shortly afterwards, becoming Jan Drue Hatley. She lived in Duran OK, Bethesda MD, and Dallas TX before finally settling in Austin. She grew up in Bee Caves where her father, A.B., developed Rollingwood in Austin. Jan went to Austin High and worked at Barton Springs Swimming Pool as a locker girl. During this time, she modeled for local businesses including Zales. It was at Barton Springs that she caught the eye of a life guard, Austin native Jack Robinson, and the sparks flew. The two married and had three sons: Jeff, Greg, and Michael. Jan and Jack raised their boys in the stone cottage in the middle of Zilker Park where Jack had grown up as a child. While Jack worked for Austin Parks and Recreation, Jan went to work at the IRS in Estate and Gift Taxes. Always an artist, Jan was instrumental in the beginnings of the Trail of Lights in Austin. She designed and hand painted all of the cutout figures and scenes that lined the trail in its early years. The family moved to Dallas in the late 70’s when Jack became Director of Parks and Recreation for Dallas. They remained in Dallas until retiring back to their true home of Austin. Jan and Jack were finally back where they happily started, surrounded by their family and old friends in a city that they loved.

Jan is survived by her sons and their spouses: Jeff and Pam Robinson, Greg and Lynn Robinson, Michael and Michael Serrecchia/Robinson. Her Grandchildren: Sarah Bettin, Linzi Taylor, Brandy Taylor, Andrea Robinson, and Laura Braswell. Her Great Grandchildren: Cade and Landon Taylor, Brady And Mason Bettin, and Jack Taylor.

A graveside service and gathering is being arranged for later in the summer to honor the life of this remarkable and loving lady.