Janice Calista Wilkinson, born on July 13, 1949, in McGregor, Iowa, passed away on March 3, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Jan lived a full and impactful life defined by her strength of will and dedication to her career and family.

An accomplished professional, Jan had an extensive career in management and adult education. She contributed significantly to corporations such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Little Caesar’s, where she taught and managed various programs throughout Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Following her daughter to Missouri in the mid-1990s, Jan dedicated more than 15 years to the City of Kansas City, beginning in 1997, when she joined the Kansas City Zoo, until her retirement in 2013 from the Human Resources Department, where her commitment to adult education and development lifted many..

After graduating high school, Jan continued her education at the University of Iowa. Her intelligence, strong-willed nature and sharp sense of humor fueled her success.

Jan was a loving mother and grandmother. Words cannot fully express all she did as a single mother for her daughter. Her family always will remember fondly all the day trips and vacations she shared with them. Jan also was an animal lover and avid “window-side” birdwatcher who cherished the many pets she had throughout her life.

In addition to her professional and family achievements, Jan's interests reflected her creative spirit and zest for life. She found great joy in attending and photographing her grandchildren's school and sporting events. An adept crafter, Jan enjoyed scrapbooking and making cards, which allowed her to express and share her creativity with friends and family. She also cherished time spent playing cards and bingo with friends.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Gloria Wilkinson; and brothers, Denny, Ralph and Richard Wilkinson.

She is survived by her brother, Jim Wilkinson, of Colorado Springs, her daughter, Shana (Todd) Marsh and grandchildren, Sam & Sadie Marsh, all of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as many friends.

Jan leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and humor. She will be deeply missed yet lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing their lives with her.

The family will have a private ceremony to honor Jan’s life and request privacy during this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Literacy KC or KC Pet Project.