Jana Lopresti

Jana Taylor LoPresti received the beautiful gift of complete healing when she returned to her heavenly home on March 2, 2021. Jana's battle with cancer was brief, but valiant; her deep faith in God and her incredible love of her family were her strength and her shield. Jana feared not in the face of illness, instead clung to God's word and His promise. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand; that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 6,7.

Jana is survived in life by her husband, Tom; her daughters Payton Royston (Ben) and Natalie LoPresti; her granddaughter Mary Brooks Royston; her mother, June Taylor; her siblings, Deb Blake (George) and Alan Taylor (Yo); and a host of nieces and nephews. Jana was preceded in death by her father, Aaron Taylor.

Jana was the loving wife to Tom LoPresti for 31 years. Together, Jana and Tom were a pure example of Christ's holy union, devoting themselves to one another and always keeping God first in their marriage. Tom will tell you that Jana was not only his bride, but his soulmate and dearest friend, putting no other person on earth before her. Through being loved by Tom the way Christ loves the church, Jana was well equipped to be a Godly wife and mother, two roles in which Jana carried out with beautiful grace.

Throughout Jana's life, she was an exemplary example of being the hands and feet of Jesus; as an educator, servant of the church, beloved family member and friend. Jana was a teacher for 27 years. Jana loved each and every student who entered her classroom, touching and forever changing the lives of well over 1,000 students throughout her career. During Jana's 27 years as an educator, she taught at Rocky Ridge Elementary, Greystone Elementary and, most notably, Paine Elementary, where she spent the majority of her years. Aside from inspiring young children through teaching, Jana was an equally valuable co-worker and mentor. Effortlessly and with no desire for praise, Jana modeled how to love, support and shape the minds and hearts of children. Jana's classroom was a safe space and a welcoming home to all who entered.

Jana served as a Children's Associate in the Children's Ministry at First Baptist Church Trussville when she took a brief pause from teaching to allow herself more time to focus on raising her daughters; her top priority. Jana had the ability to truly connect to babies and young children; sharing Jesus' love with them in a way that their sweet hearts and minds could comprehend. Jana not only worked as an associate with the Children's Ministry, but she continued to serve in the church's preschool and nursery on Sundays after going back into the classroom full time. There was no one who could soothe a crying baby or set a parent's mind at ease like Jana. She was blessed with a gift and she used it well.

Jana had many roles in her life that she loved; however, her dearest and most precious role was being Jan-Jan to her beautiful granddaughter, Mary Brooks. Jana spent her life loving other people's babies like they were her own. Her reward of becoming Jan-Jan just 2.5 years ago was her proudest moment. Since the birth of Mary Brooks, Jana spent an immeasurable amount of quality time with her, making memories that will never be forgotten and leaving a mark on her heart that will never fade. Mary Brooks brought such joy and fulfillment to Jana's life and Jana filled Mary Brook's heart with love and, with the partnership of Tom, Payton, Ben and Natalie, laid the foundation for a life of adoration of her Savior, Jesus Christ; a gift that is above all earthly possessions.

For those of us here on earth, we mourn the loss of Jana's physical presence, but wholeheartedly rejoice in knowing she has received the gift of eternal life; a gift Jana dedicated her life to teaching others about as she led them to His word and His promise. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness." Matthew 25:21. There is no doubt these words were proclaimed to Jana when she entered the presence of our Almighty God, being welcomed to eternity spent in His presence. "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. On March 2, 2021, Jana Taylor LoPresti, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and friend, gained eternal life, complete healing and everlasting peace. Our hearts may be broken, but they will continue to fervently beat with such life, love and honor as we carry on Jana's legacy; a journey that will continue to point others toward Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Think of Jana, when you see the ocean, remember her when you eat a perfectly prepared meal and feel her embrace when you wear your most comfortable t-shirt. Jana's favorite things are now a part of us; they provide comfort and reassurance that her presence is always with us as we carry her in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Trussville on Friday from 5:00-8:00pm. A graveside service will take place on Saturday at 11:00am at Jefferson Memorial Trussville with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church Trussville. Immediately following the service, an additional time of visitation will be offered. The service will also be streamed online for friends and family who are unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that Jana be honored through the donation of school supplies, as they brought Jana so much happiness throughout her career as a teacher. Please bring school supplies of your choice to her service to benefit and bless children and schools in need of resources. In addition, a fund has been setup at Bryant Bank in Trussville under the name "Jana's Journey Memorial Fund" to help further the ability to bless students and schools.