Jane "Fairlee" Gourley-Willis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jane “Fairlee” Gourley Willis, who left us on April 27, 2025, at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas, at the age of 89. Jane was a devoted educator, a cherished friend, and a loving family member who touched the lives of many during her remarkable journey.

Jane was born on June 30, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas, to Nora Lee “Lutrigner” Fairlee and Robert Douglas Fairlee. Growing up, she had a lively childhood alongside her brother, Douglas. As her father served in the Air Force, the family moved frequently until they settled in Austin when Jane was just 16. Demonstrating her brilliance and ambition, Jane began her studies at the University of Texas at Austin at an early age. She graduated in 1958 with a degree in Library Science, marking the start of her illustrious career as a teacher and librarian.

For over 40 years, Jane dedicated herself to the children of Austin Independent School District, where she was beloved as the librarian at Leona Doss Elementary. Her commitment to fostering a love for reading in all children was evident in every storytime session she held. Jane was honored by the Office of the Governor, George and Laura Bush with her dedication and having Doss Elementary naming their library after her, The Jane Willis Library,” a true testament to her passion for education and her belief that every child deserves a strong start in life. Her warm, welcoming nature resonated deeply with both students and parents, many of whom continued to seek her out long after they moved on from her library.

Throughout her life, Jane was also a devoted volunteer, passionately working with Operation School Bell to help provide clothing and supplies for children in need. She was a lifelong member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and enjoyed the camaraderie of her friends from teaching, participating in luncheons, Bunco groups, and charitable initiatives.

Outside of her work, Jane was a die-hard UT sports fan, proudly bleeding burnt orange and cheering on her team. Her love for pets and animals was a special part of her life, as she shared this affection with her children and grandchildren, often reading stories about pets during her library sessions.

Jane's spirit and kindness live on in her family. She is survived by her companion and champion, Buddie Howell; her children, Royce Dennis Gourley Jr. and his partner Ferdinand Pasion, Kay Elaine Gourley, and her step-daughter Pamela Willis; and her adored grandchildren: Patrick Willis, Sydney Angione, Seamus Keogh and his wife Vivien Blumofe, and Mark Drimala. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Douglas Fairlee and his wife Caroline, and her cherished nieces and nephew, Wren Howell, Clay Howell, Emily Fairlee, and Katerina Fairlee, along with numerous cousins.

Jane is preceded in death by her former spouses, Royce Dennis Gourley and Roy Edward Willis, as well as her step-daughters Ann Willis, Kathlene Willis Munchow, and Mary Beth Angione.

A memorial celebration of Jane's life will be held at Chez Zee Restaurant on June 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Operation School Bell, continuing her legacy of love and support for children in need.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living, especially Becky and Bridget, for their kindness, as well as Nicole Kilgore with All Faiths Funeral Services. A special thanks goes to Patricia Mares and Dorothy Madison, two of Jane's dearest life long friends, who stood by her side in her later years; Malia Attal who helped Jane with her day to day life items and long friendship; The Blumofe and Keogh family for their continual love and support.

“Where The Sidewalks Ends” 
By Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalks ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To Cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.