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14 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2025 By Elizabeth Westbrook My first impression of Jan when I joined the Communications Committee in 2018 was that she was kind, friendly, and professional. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm made her approachable. I was not surprised to see Jan participating in community events and activities. The African American Cultural Club noticed Jan's talent and chose her to present some of her creative writings at a few of their events. Willa Harris embraced her and managed to get her to emcee at a couple of Motown Shows which were a huge success. Jan's presence onstage was perfect with her ability to command the spotlight. Over the years, her support, attendance, and/or performance at events — especially when there was music — made her everyone's friend, someone you could talk to, a genuine listener. She said, "One of my favorite things is to be an instrument/resource for making a positive difference in my world/community." I asked Jan to share her professional background: "I am fortunate to have a business/work history that has afforded me an abundance of useful skills. I was a legal secretary for approximately eight years. During those years, I additionally transcribed medical reports for doctors; I was the receptionist, secretary, bookkeeper, and payroll clerk in my brother's small business for approximately 13 years. I taught at-risk high school students in an LAUSD work-training program for approximately five years. I taught Office Careers Legal and Medical for LAUSD for approximately 15 years. I was Program Manager for LAUSD Adult Division where I was in charge of teachers and programs offered to adults and 11th-12th graders; ultimately, after retiring from LAUSD, I taught English as a Second Language for Rowland Unified School District." She happily shared with me her fond appreciation for her parents, who came from the poorer sector and, nevertheless, raised three successful and productive citizens. "I am the youngest of three children, born in Los Angeles, California, exactly one year apart, to a 'mostly' Black man from Oxford Mississippi (born in 1906) and an Armenian and Black woman from Massachusetts. I was raised, supported, and inspired by this magnificent couple until I left home at the age of 23 to marry." She says that she inherited her artistic talents and her love-and-caring tendencies from her mother; her self-respect, strength of spirit, independence, and determination from her dad. Jan has a daughter, Darleena, and a son, Mark. Both faraway and nearby family and friends are precious to her. She loves her fellow residents and feels blessed to have the fortune of sharing her life with us. Working daily on being the best she can be is her hobby — a hobby in which we all might participate. Her attitude and perspective on life is reflected on her license plate (IMA B OK) which she's had since 1998. I will conclude with Jan's personal motto: "Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Hug warmly, forgive quickly, play hard, think positively, give your all, make every day your masterpiece and have no regrets, because life is too short to be anything but happy!" Our Friend, Jan White

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