Janice Rivers Taweel

Profile Updated: October 17, 2021
Janice Rivers
Class Year: 1969
Residing In: DUNNELLON, FL USA
Spouse/Partner: George Taweel deceased in 1996. Elaine is my new partner for 5 years
Homepage: Jan Baren-Isabelle on Facebook
Occupation: Retired Art Educator for PreK to 5th; Professional artist and Author
Children: 1 daughter over 40 yrs old living who knows where. She's about to be divorced again with no children. More…I have lost count on the number of husbands she's had. I can only pray for her safety from God's grace.
Yes! Attending Reunion
What elementary school(s)did you attend?

I attended Durkee Elementary. I can remember May Day activities and getting my bicycle license plate, after taking the bicycle riding test.

What Jr High (s) did you attend?

I went to Fonville Jr. High.

What street(s) did you grow up on?

I grew up on Sunnyside Rd

Do you or your family still live or own your house that you grew up in?

My parents sold their house and moved to Murchison to be closer to my mom's family. However, my mothers' family/siblings have all passed on now. I've googled my old address and have seen my old house and the street I grew up on. Glad to see it after many years since i left Houston.

Do you see or hang out with any class mates? Who?

Yes, I used to hang out with Judith Guinn Schronk. We've always been best friends, especially at church, but now she lives in another town. Judy and I hav3e gotten back in touch with one another and keep in touch through Facebook and talk through messager.

I really don't hang out or even see anyone else from Sam Houston, except only when our church has a reunion. have texted Sue Glenn Hood from time to time.

What would we be surprised to know about you?

I'm not sure what would surprise people anymore. I really haven't done anything surprising. I am a professional artist and have been named in Marquis "Who's Who in America", "Who's Who Among American Women" and Who's Who in the World". Also named in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers".
I have taught elementary school for 20 years and now I'm retired, after teaching in the same school in the same district for 20 years! WOW! I couldn't wait to retire.
Now, I am an author writing romance novels and writing kids' books too. All of my books and novels can be found on Amazon under my pen name, Baren Nix, and for kids books, Jan Baren

Where was your favorite HS hangout?

My family always went to Bailey's Drive Inn.

List your siblings and year.

Nancy, born 1955.

School Story:

I always liked art and Ms. Bybee. I went to the Astrodome for the Waltrip and Sam Houston state playoff. Sorry that our class did not have a prom. So I went to a party at Beth Bailey's house after graduation.

What did you want to do or think you were going to do when you finished high school?

I had always told myself I was not going to college, nor get married, and nor have children. I did all of those things. lol
I went to college at Lamar University in Beaumont to be a graphic artist, but instead, I changed majors and became an elementary school teacher in Dallas ISD. Now I am studying online to be a screenplay writer.

What and where was your 1st job? Do you remember how much you were paid?

my first job was the Pig Stand in Beaumont and I was paid $0.85 an hour. i told the manager that the waitress who came after me was making $1.00 an hour; so i got a raise. hee

Ever been on TV? Tell us all about it.

I was interviewed in Tyler Texas one summer by the tv station reporter on the summer heat. I don't remember seeing it on tv.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I draw, paint, make mosaics, hang out with my partner, go see my parents in the country (which I call my B & B- Bed and Breakfast, LOL). I like going to the movies, out to eat, or just staying home and chill! I am a professional romance novelist and a children's author.

Name something you dearly love. and why?

I love my partner dearly because she has my back at all times. I was at the lowest point in my life because I was alone. I made a comment on Facebook and that's when she answered my posting and ever since then, we've been inseparable.

Comments:

After graduation, I went to summer school to take algerbra, so I could go to college. I attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Tx. in 1969. Met my husband, George, in 1972 and was married in Nov. 1973 (on my birthday no less). I had a daughter in Nov. 1976 and finished college in Dec. 1976. I started working for Rogers Bros. in Beaumont and stayed there for 11 1/2 yrs. The company started going down (losing business) so I went back to Lamar for my elementary teaching certification. We lost our house in Vidor, so we moved to live with my parents in Murchison, Tx (outside of Athens, Tx). I got a teaching job in Dallas in 1991. In 1996, George died from complications from diabetes. That same year, I was diagnosed with diabetes as well. Anyways, I'm doing good. In 1997, I found a new friend, Elaine, and we have been partners for the past 2 years now. She is such a good friend to have around and keep me company. Elaine lives with MS and it affects her from time to time and works hard to maintain her health. I work hard to keep up her spirits. Retirement couldn't have come soon enough and I devote all my time towards the arts and my personal life.

Any words of wisdom?

Praise God in all things you do and you will be rewarded from HIm. Amen