On August 9, 2026, Janis Beard Gardiner Townsend passed into the arms of Jesus Christ. Janis was born on July 31, 1947, to Joe and Louise Beard in Sinton, Texas. Janis was a dedicated educator, Mama, and Nana. She had a deep passion for animals, especially for beloved cats.

Janis grew up in Mathis and was a graduate of the Mathis High School Class of 1965. She continued her education at Texas College of Arts and Industries (Texas A&M University-Kingsville). She received her BS in History and Speech in Secondary Education in 1969 and a BA in Special Education in 1991. Her love for her students was unending.

Janis will be remembered for her quick comebacks, her laugh, and her love for her friends. Janis always had a cat or two and usually more! Coco, her Calico Queen, was constantly at her side.

Janis was reunited with her loving parents, Joe and Louise Beard; brother, Ronald Joe Beard; and her children, Travis Gardiner and Robin Colleen Gardiner Nafus. She leaves her memories to her brother, Joe Beard of Victoria, TX; nieces, Amber Beard Kolar (Dale) and Megan Beard of Victoria, TX; her nephew, Ryan (Jeanette) Beard, and great nieces, Madison and Rylee Beard of Goliad. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Matthew Travis Gardiner and Mia Karolina Gardiner of San Antonio, TX. She will be missed by many, many friends including Cerise Edmonds of San Antonio, TX and April Padrezas of Mathis, TX who cared for Janis until her last breath.

Janis knows at the next Class of 1965 reunion, her memories will be enjoyed by all.

“See you on the other side of the stars.”

Janis requested no services be held. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in her memory to South Texas Children’s Home Ministries at stchm.org/give/