Jane Elizabeth Gomez, 79, passed away on April 4, 2026, over Easter weekend. While her loss leaves an immeasurable void, those who know her take comfort in a life defined by unwavering faith, selflessness, and love for others.
Jane was born on March 22, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she was a cheerleader and member of the National Honor Society. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with Honors from the University of Tennessee. She later pursued her master’s degree in education at the University of Tennessee, coming just three credit hours shy of completion.
Following college, Jane took to the skies as a Delta Airlines flight attendant. While raising her two children, she became a small business owner in Oak Ridge. Jane and her family eventually moved from Tennessee to Austin, Texas, where she dedicated more than 20 years as an educator for the Pflugerville Independent School District, teaching at every level from elementary to high school. It was in Austin that she met the love of her life, Arnold Gomez. They were inseparable throughout their 38-year marriage, and he was with her by her side, caring for her with extraordinary love and devotion until her passing.
Jane’s calling to serve extended beyond the classroom. She was a founding member of Westside Church of Christ in Round Rock and poured her time and heart into her church community. After retiring from teaching, she served as an executive assistant at Westside, living out her faith through quiet acts of service and devotion.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, James H. Parks and Wanette Parks, and her younger sister, June Parks Vickers. She is survived by her beloved husband, Arnold Gomez; her daughters, Lauren Smith (Chris) and Jenny Kaberline (Phil); her three adoring grandchildren, Riley English, Elle English and Josie Smith; her brother, Steven Parks (Joan); brother-in-law, Daryl Vickers; sisters-in-law, Maria Delgado and Carrie Maldonado (Jesse); nieces and nephews, Trent Vickers, Rachel Masters, Rebecca Vickers, Caroline Parks, Andrew Maldonado, Aaron Maldonado and Adam Delgado.
To her family, she was a steady source of strength, wisdom and encouragement. She endured life’s hardships with grace, never losing her instinct to put others first. Even in her final chapter, she demonstrated extraordinary strength. As her body weakened, she never let her disease overtake her mind, a testament to her resilience and determination.
Jane’s memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 18 at the Westside Church of Christ in Round Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alzfdn.com).
Published by Austin American-Statesman from Apr. 9 to Apr. 12, 2026.
This obituary was published by Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
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