Jan Elise "Juice" Amen

Memorial services celebrating the life of Jan Elise “Juice” Amen, 71, of Etoile will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Shirley Creek Baptist Church.

Jan Elise Amen, affectionately referred to as “Juice” by her loved ones, was called to heaven unexpectedly on November 16, 2025.

Born to Jospeh Amen and Daurice (Stalnaker) Amen, in Alliance, Nebraska on April 20, 1954. She was the youngest of three children, with older siblings Steve and Lin. The family moved throughout her youth where they were residents of Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, and California. She graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1972 in Pasadena, California, before attending Pasadena City College. As an adult, Juice lived in Wyoming, Colorado, Switzerland, South Carolina, and Texas.

In 1995, Juice settled in Etoile, TX, where she would reside for the remainder of her life. In 1997, she began a career working for the Texas A&M Forest Service where she would spend the next 20 years, retiring in 2017. She was part of a core National Fire Prevention Team and served as a photographer, one of her greatest passions. She was a highly skilled photographer, receiving an accolade for a photograph taken during the response of the Columbia Space Shuttle Recovery Mission in 2003. Her experiences and photographs taken during the recovery mission are featured in the book, Bringing Columbia Home.

Juice continued her service as an Emergency USDA Forest Service employee, where she worked as a Public Information Officer and a National Wildfire Prevention Education team member. In addition, she volunteered for the Etoile Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years, where she was a devoted and beloved member. In 2015, Juice received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Texas Forestry Museum. If Smoky Bear was near, Juice would soon follow. She would also politely correct anyone who referred to him as “Smoky the Bear,” reminding them with a smile on her face that he was Smoky Bear.

In addition to her career in fire, Juice served on the Etoile Water Board for the last 10 years. She was also a proud member of Shirley Creek Baptist Church, an active member and contributor for 27 years.

Outside of fire and photography, Juice had many passions. She was quite musically inclined, knowing how to play the clarinet, flute, guitar, and piano. She loved to travel, including many cruises throughout the last several years to a variety of different destinations. She had also marched in the Rose Parade on three different occasions. As most know, she loved to collect odd things; among them being a rare bone collection. A nephew of hers referred to these as juice-knacks, a synonym of knick knacks. Most family members and friends had been gifted some throughout the years. That is what defines Juice best, a giver. She spent her whole life giving to others and expecting nothing in return other than a smile and kindness.

Juice did not have any biological children but considered her nieces and nephews her own. She was certainly always known as the fun aunt, taking them on adventures and always keeping them entertained. She was always taking photos of them and with them, which are now cherished. One of her great nephews gave her the name Juice over 30 years ago, a name she proudly kept to the end. Her great nieces and nephews affectionally referred to her as “Granny Juice.”

Juice’s biggest passion was her family and friends. She cherished spending time with them all and fondly spoke of her memories, even as new ones were being created. She also loved serving the Lord, whom she has now gone to see.

Juice is survived by her brother, Steven Amen (Kay) of Texas; niece Kary Pickett (Mike) of Wyoming; nephews Curt Webb (June), MJ Webb (Sherri), and Shane Amen (Kristie) all of Texas; niece, Dayna Royer of Kentucky; great niece, Morgan Collums (Lance) of Wyoming; great nephew, Kade Ames (Valerie) of Wyoming; great nephew, Dustin Webb (Angel) of Louisana; great nephew, Colton Webb of Texas; great niece, Regan Webb of Texas; great nephew, Chase Webb (Jessica) of Texas; great nieces, Linsie Bobbitt (Justin), Devan Webb and Morgan Green all of Texas. Survivors also include her great-great nieces and nephews which include Tesslin Tucker, Jospeh Coffelt, Kason Merka, Daniel Bobbitt, Dusty Bobbitt, Allison Hayes, Haylee Hayes, and Jaxson Webb.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Jospeh Amen and Daurice (Stalnaker) Amen; best friend and sister, Linda (Lin) Webb; brother-in-law, William (Bill) Webb; and beloved nephew, Jacob Crowder.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Etoile Fire Department. 

Obituary was written by Juice’s great nephew, Kade Ames

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.