Jann Schroeder

MISSION, TX.- Jann Elaine (Whitlock) Schroeder, 79, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Jann was born on January 6, 1946, to William Edgar and Luella Anna (Bruggeman) Whitlock and was raised in Mercedes, Texas.

She attended schools in Mercedes and in 1964, graduated from Mercedes High School. She was a twirler and played the flute in the award-winning MHS Band. Throughout high school, she participated in Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Y-Teens, Thespians and Sophomore Skit, Freshman Cheerleader, Bengal Staff, Student Council, Hidalgo County Cotillion Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and 4-H.

Jann was honored to serve as the 1960 Halloween Queen, 1961 Carnival Queen, 1962 Vegetable Queen Candidate, 1963 Duchess of Poinsettia and Runner-up in the Texas Citrus Fiesta Queen Contest, 1963 Cover Girl Candidate, 1963 MHS Best Natured, 1963 MHS Band Sweetheart, 1964 Mercedes Rotary Couple, 1964 Blue Jean Lamb Queen, 1st Runner-Up and Princess for Teen Fair in San Antonio, 1964 MHS FFA Sweetheart, 1964 MHS Homecoming Queen, and 1964 MHS Most Beautiful.

Jann attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where she majored in Interior Design, which was truly evident if you ever walked inside her home or attended one of her parties. While in college, she met the love of her life, Jim Schroeder from Pharr. They were married on June 1, 1965, at the First United Methodist Church in Pharr. They celebrated 48 wonderful and exciting years together before his death in 2012.

Jann devoted her life to raising their two daughters, Mindy Celene and Christina Ann, and she served as a mentor, teacher, chauffer, nurse, therapist, crafter, decorator, and master party thrower for them and many of their friends. Many may not realize it, but Jann had a very silly and mischievous side. She relished any opportunity to scare kids late at night when they least expected it. She loved wearing scary costumes, jumping out of bushes, and scratching on windows, and she laughed wholeheartedly as she retold the stories. As the girls got older, she owned and operated an antique business, but her focus switched to her granddaughter, Cyann, when she was born in 2009. Cyann was the apple of her eye, and the two had an amazing bond full of mischief and giggles. They loved each other to the moon and back.

She volunteered her time on numerous boards and committees and served in leadership positions for many of them. Some of these organizations included Hidalgo County Cotillion, Texas Citrus Fiesta and Product Costume Show, Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), First United Methodist Church and Methodist Youth Fellowship, FUMC Sunday School Teacher, Mission Service Project, Leadership Mission, Agape Christian School, and Mission CISD. From 1977 to 1990, Jann served as a Leader for the Tip of Texas Girl Scouts for Troops 89 (Mindy) and 236 (Christina). She received an award for her 13 years of service.

In September of 2018, Jann was inducted to the Mission Historical Museum Wall of Fame. Every year, the museum honors individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the Mission community. They have worked or lived in Mission for 30 or more years and demonstrated leadership in public service, business, government, and other areas that have made a positive impact on Mission's history. She was very proud to have received this honor, as her husband, Jim, received it in 2012, as well.

Jann enjoyed a slew of hobbies. She was a tireless arrowhead and rock hunter, and she loved Native American history of South Texas. She could often be found gardening or enjoying nature in her backyard. She had an immense love for all critters, especially birds, butterflies, and squirrels. Her favorites were the black-bellied whistling ducks and chachalacas that returned to her backyard every year. Cardinals, or red birds as she called them, were another favorite. When not outside, she could be found organizing anything and everything. Her organization skills were instrumental in leading the initiative of the “Shipping for Soldiers Program,” which Mission Paving Company started after 9/11. Over 5,000 care packages were sent to soldiers fighting the War on Terrorism. Jann was an amazing caretaker and helped many people through various transitions in life. With Jim, she collected antiques and classic cars and served as an expert ranch hand with their Santa Gertrudis cattle at J2 Ranch. After Jimmy passed, she spent many lunches and bingo dates with her birthday group, lunch bunch, close friends and family.

Jann is survived by her daughter, Mindy Celene Schroeder Brown and son-in-law, Kirk Brown of Mission, Texas; and daughter, Christina Ann Baese; son-in-law, Cale Baese; and granddaughter, Cyann Elaine Baese, all of Buda, Texas; and many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jann is preceded in death by her husband, James Joseph Schroeder; her parents, William Edgar and Luella Anna Whitlock; and her brothers, Bryson Lamar Whitlock, Darrell Dean Whitlock, and Donald Stewart Whitlock.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff that provided Jann with exceptional care. With love and gratitude, we thank the dedicated and talented caregivers who tended to Jann. Their devotion allowed her to stay in the comfort of her home in the last years of her life. We will be forever grateful.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Brown Family Funeral Home at 701 East Interstate Highway 2 in Mission. Church services are scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at First Global Methodist Church of Mission at 1101 Doherty Avenue. Graveside services will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brown Family Funeral Home of Mission, Texas.

Donations in her name can be made to The First Global Methodist Church of Mission (1101 Doherty Avenue, 78572), Yaqui Animal Rescue, or the charity of your choice.