Janice “Jan” Annetta Toombs

Janice “Jan” Annetta Toombs, 87, of Kansas City, Kansas, peacefully left us on January 2nd, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, leaving a legacy of kindness and faith. Jan was born on October 13th, 1938, in Blackwell, Arkansas, to Edward J. and Ethel M. Vaughn.  She was their only child.  Although she was an only child, she was never lonely.  She was close to her six first cousins, who served as her surrogate brothers and sisters.   Jan graduated from Sumner High School in 1956.  After graduating, Jan attended cosmetology school the following year and obtained her cosmetology license in 1957.  She had to stop working as a cosmetologist due to health reasons. She then worked for Parmelee Plastics. After leaving Parmelee, Jan went to work for the Hilton Hotel. Jan always loved sewing. She turned her love of sewing into a profession when she joined the Theatrical Wardrobe Union, working for the Lyric Opera until 2020 as the Wardrobe Supervisor. She was the first black union member in this local chapter. Jan’s life took a significant turn when she met Harold Toombs through mutual friends.  Their love grew, and within two years, they were married on June 1st, 1959. Their union produced two loving daughters, Courtney and Corie.   Jan dedicated over 50 years to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir Sponsor, and Senior Choir Member, inspiring many through her faith and service. Jan had a love for sports, cooking, and sewing.  Jan also had a passion for caring for her family and was well known for taking care of people and their children, as evidenced by the number of godchildren that Jan acquired over the years.  Jan was also known for her high-spirited personality.  Make no mistake, Jan loved hard, and those that she loved, she would do anything in the world for.   Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ethel, her loving husband, Harold, her half-sister, Pam Vaughn, and her Goddaughter Stacey Hardwick. She is survived by daughters Courtney and Corie, half-siblings Gayle Vaughn-Wiles and Edward Vaughn, Jr., Godson Herb Hardwick, and beloved family and friends who loved and adored Jan. Graveside Services will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Highland Park Cemetery 3801 State Ave. Kansas City, Kansas. Repast for family and friends will be held following graveside service at the MT. Carmel Community Center 1130 Troup Ave. Kansas City, Kansas.   Professional Services entrusted to the ELITE Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 641345/ tel: 816.765.0141, www.elitefuneralchapel.org Malcolm Morris, Fuenral Director