Janie Wester

Martha Jane “Janie” Wester died on October 24, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 93. Born on September 24, 1933 in Bryan, Texas, Janie lived a long and thoughtful life shaped by faith, family, teaching, and art.

Her education formed an early foundation for the work she would carry out with dedication for decades. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, Texas in 1950. Janie went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University in 1953, and later completed her Master of Arts at the University of Oklahoma in 1974. Learning and teaching remained closely joined throughout her life.

Janie devoted many years to education, sharing both knowledge and encouragement with her students. From 1955 to 1957, she taught art and math in Fort Worth Public Schools at McLain and Riverside Junior Highs. She later taught art and math in the junior high and high school at Tecumseh Public Schools from 1967 to 1971. In 1971, she began her long tenure at Oklahoma Baptist University as Assistant Professor of Art, serving there until 1997. Through these years, she gave her time and talent to the classroom and to the creative lives of others.

Art was not only her profession, but a lifelong calling. Janie took part in one- and two-person art shows and in juried fiber arts shows, where her work received many awards. She continued drawing throughout her entire life, sustaining a quiet and constant practice that reflected both discipline and joy.

Her faith was a permanent part of her daily life. Janie read her Bible and daily devotionals every day, and in the last year of her life, she completed the entire Baylor edition of her Bible. That steady devotion was woven into the way she lived.

She also cherished the company of those she loved most. Janie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and other family members. Those gatherings, across generations, were among the enduring blessings of her life.

Janie is preceded in death by her parents, Everett C. Martin and Winie Dell Martin; by her husband, Don Wester; by her son, James Wester; by her brother, Dr. Everett C. Martin Jr. and his wife, Kay; and by her sister, Nelwyn Martin Raborn and her husband, John.

Janie is survived by sons Donald Wester, Jr. and his wife Cathy of Conway, Arkansas, Mike Wester and his wife Doyleen of Shawnee, Tom Wester of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on October 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at University Baptist Church, 2515 N. Kickapoo Avenue, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.

Janie Wester will be remembered for the steadiness of her faith, the grace of her artistry, and the many years she spent teaching and encouraging others. Her life leaves a lasting impression in the classroom, in her artwork, and in the hearts of the family she loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Oklahoma Baptist University's Julie Blackstone Memorial Scholarship.