Janet Lynn Gallaher

Janet Lynn Gallaher August 1, 1956- October 19, 2018 Everyone knew her simply as Jan. Her name means “Her Father’s delight” and as He welcomed her into His Eternal Kingdom on October 19 at 5:39 am, surely she also delighted in Him. Surrounded for days by friends and dear family, Jan fought not for her life but for a testimony of God’s goodness, mercy and kindness in the midst of struggles beyond measure. Jan was born on August 1, 1956 in Fort Worth, TX to Wallace G. Holder and Rue Gooding Holder. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace G. Holder on April 30, 2002, as well as four infant children who did not come to term. Survivors include her loving husband of 41 years, Pastor Dennis J. Gallaher; sons, James Gallaher and wife, Kelly and Joseph Gallaher and wife, Corrie; grandchildren, Carson, Caitlyn, Emilie, Noah and Eli; mother, Rue Holder; sister, Sue Haws and husband, Lewis and by her brother, Michael Holder and wife, Darlene. Nephews, nieces and extended family abound. Her passion and life’s work was to serve in God’s church. There was never a place where her touch and grace was not welcomed. She did not seek success but to hear on that Day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” To that end, Jan was passionate as well as wholly dedicated to encouraging others with word and deed. Ask anyone. Jan loved Jesus and therefore loved people. Her family was constantly and joyfully front and center. Life threatening illness was always at the door, so Jan determined that serving her grandchildren would be the key to them remembering her. Remembrance not for her sake, mind you, but remembrance for the sake of her love for God. Her greatest joy was seeing them serve in His church and using their gifts and talents to show God’s love to others. She loved wholly, joyfully, and with purpose. Passing down a legacy of loving God and others was always her mark. Jan influenced thousands of people in many countries. Her story of suffering touched so many because it always led to the great grace of her Heavenly Father. She knew what it meant to be judged by others which made her a safe place for so many to come and rest. Her grace was born from adversity, her kindness forged in afflictions, her love for Jesus found in lonely paths that only she knew. Truly, she was chosen by God for a unique and very special life. Throughout this long journey, many people would comment as to her strength and joy in the face of terrible circumstances. Jan would smile and thank, but she knew that it was never her strength, courage, or will that won the day. Jan’s strength resided in the daily and passionate time she spent with the Lord. Early mornings belonged to Him. Her strength was in the Lord. To the end, her family heard her preach this without words by her quiet determination to be with Jesus. If there is a message from her life it would be simple and profound. Jan lived first for her Lord Jesus Christ. She did not seek places of honor or prestige, instead she lived to joyfully obey His command, “Love others as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” John 15:12-13. That is how she lived, and that is how she died. “O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine oceans depths its flow May richer, fuller be.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Freedom Fellowship Church. Jan's celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 27 2018. A reception will be held immediately following the funeral service in the church hall. Interment is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Hill Country Memorial Gardens.