Janel Kaiser

1928 – 2020

Janel Barr Kaiser, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston on Saturday, November 14, 2020 surrounded by her family. Janel was born on September 10, 1928 to Earl Clifton Barr and Elizabeth Groening Barr in Denton, Texas. Janel grew up in Denton and graduated from University of North Texas in Denton before moving to Houston, Texas.

Janel moved to Houston in 1950 to take a job as a church secretary at South Main Baptist Church. At South Main, Janel met her future husband, Albert Kaiser. Al and Janel were married at South Main on July 14, 1956. They were married for 42 years until Al’s death in 1999. Al and Janel were very involved in the life of South Main. They were directors of a single adult department for 20 years, and Janel was also involved in teaching conversational English in the SMILE program. They were so blessed with church friends who became family over their many years at the church.

Janel was a two-time breast cancer survivor and bravely lived with dementia for the last years of her life. We are sad that she is no longer physically here on earth with us but are so thankful for the legacy she has left behind.

Janel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her four siblings, including her twin sister. We are so grateful she is whole and healed and safe in the arms of Jesus. Janel is survived by her son, Bert Kaiser, her daughter and son-in-law, John and Beth Clark, and her grandchildren Austin Clark and Ashley Clark. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We are so grateful to the many friends and family who have supported and prayed for us during this time. We are especially thankful for Mom’s amazing caregivers who have become family. Thank you to Judy and Vilma who have been with Mom for the last several years. We are also thankful for Viviana and Laura who have recently come into our lives. We are grateful for the precious care of Houston Hospice, especially to Monique, Alice, and Kathy.

Services for Janel will be at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19th 5 – 7 pm. On Friday, November 20th, visitation at 9:00 am, service at 10:00am, and burial at 11:00 am. With everything going on in our world today we know you may not feel comfortable attending the visitation or services. Please know we completely understand your decision. If you are not able to join us in person, we know you will be with us in spirit. The service will also be available via live stream.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Janel’s honor to South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002.