Susan Melton (Harden)

This is hard for me, as I had a 50+ year relationship, as a close friend, with Jan.  Growing up in Richardson she lived down the street. We were both transfers in. me in 7th grade and Jan in the 9th.  We lived on the same street in the Reservation (get over it bleeding hearts, there is no disrespect meant by that nickname).  We were college roommates, briefly.  After college we got together for "couples socializing," you know weekend movies, dinner out, watching sporting events.  Every year possible we worked distributing beer for the Texas Exes at their welcome tent prior to the TX/OU shootout at the Cotton Bowl.  We had numerous adventures over the years, and somehow after her many wanderings and mine, we ended up living in another capitol city that starts with an "A," Atlanta, GA.  Austin was the first. We both lived in Atlanta many years. Eventually she decided to move back to Dallas, to be closer to her family.  I, however, moved to Arkansas, retiring in the Ozarks.  When Jan first moved to Dallas it was from Arkansas.  In fact, she was born there. She often questioned how I could leave the excitement and opportunities offered by a Big City.  City life was her thriving environment.  We kept in touch.  Our lives just continued to weave the relationship.

I remember my friend as kind, helpful, level headed and even handed.   Jan was smart, giving, forceful when she had to be.  That giggle of hers, I remember.  She loved, loved, loved to travel and when possible "live the good life."  Champagne and caviar were no strangers. When she lived in Switzerland and visited so many places, I was green with envy.  Jan was always up for an adventure, and I trust she had many. I know we had a few. She loved her friends and family and was especially close to her Dad and brother.  They adored her.

I miss my friend.  I always will.  I am sad.  My memories of her are blessings to me.

Susan Melton Harden

Tom Grimes

It's strange, all these years ago, why I occasionally remember taking Jan on a date to an Italian restaurant in Dallas, around Greenville Ave. Our date was otherwise innocuous. Nothing special happened. I should have forgotten about it. However, I didn't for one reason. Her sweetness, kindness and gentle consideration of me, when I was so nervous on that date, both surprised me and calmed me. The fact that, after more than 50 years have passed, I would remember something as ephemeral as her sweet kindness toward me might give you a sense of what a beautiful soul she was. Indeed, I have occasionally wondered over the years, not obsessively but on a few occasions, what being married to her would have been like. When we dated, her mother was dying of cancer. I remember my awkwardness in trying to convey to her my sadness that she was having to manage this awful thing. I'm sure I said something idiotic as I was wont to do back them (just a little less so now). I've only known three women in my life with a poise that distinguish them from everyone else. Jan is one of the three. I so wish I had spent more time with her. It has been my loss that I didn't. What an angel.

There is the famous line from Hamlet, which I'm sure most of you have heard or read. It strikes me as appropriate in Jan's case. As Hamlet lays dying in the arms of his friend Horatio, Horatio says, "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Good night, sweet princess.