Jana S. (Gray) White, 74, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Hoke (d. 2020), with whom she shared many treasured years.

Born on May 4, 1951, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Jana was the daughter of Marcell (Price) Gray and Maj. William Gray. From an early age, she embodied curiosity, determination, and a sincere love of learning. She excelled academically, graduating as Valedictorian of Lyman High School’s Class of 1969 in Florida—an achievement that reflected her lifelong commitment to doing her very best in all things.

Jana devoted the most meaningful years of her life to raising her two children, a role she embraced with boundless love and gratitude. Being a mother was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Later, she built a fulfilling career as a retail manager for Talbots, a position that brought her from Massachusetts to Florida to South Carolina. Through her work, she combined her appreciation for style with her gift for lifting others up—helping countless women feel confident, strong, and beautiful.

Faith was the cornerstone of Jana’s life. A dedicated and joyful member of Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, she participated in women’s Bible studies, served faithfully in the kitchen during church gatherings, and offered her time and heart wherever she was needed. Her kindness, compassion, and gentle servant’s spirit touched everyone blessed enough to know her. Her love for Jesus shone brightly through her love for others.

A passionate sports fan, Jana’s enthusiasm was contagious. She adored watching her children’s games and later followed her favorite teams—especially the Celtics and the Duke Blue Devils—with spirited devotion. Friends and family could count on her lively texts during every game, a tradition that brought laughter, connection, and joy.

Jana also found happiness in life’s simple, beautiful moments. She loved a warm cup of coffee shared in good conversation, and she cherished the beauty of God’s creation—fall foliage, mountain views, and snow-covered trees. She delighted in filling her bird feeders, watching eagerly for cardinals and chickadees. A talented cook, Jana poured love into every meal she prepared and was especially proud of her award‑winning chicken corn chowder. She expressed her creativity through decorating, transforming each holiday into a warm, inviting celebration filled with meaning and charm.

Above all, Jana’s greatest joy was her precious granddaughter and only grandchild, Ainsley. Their weekends together were filled with adventure—playgrounds, farms, pumpkin patches, hikes, hayrides, and always, without fail, ice cream. The bond they shared was pure love and one of Jana’s greatest blessings.

Jana believed wholeheartedly that the most important things in life were God, family, and friends, and she lived these values every day with grace, generosity, and unwavering devotion.

She leaves behind many who will miss her dearly, including her children, daughter Sarah Clark and son Benjamin White, son-in-law Sean Clark and his sister Heather Clark; and her cherished granddaughter, Ainsley Clark. She is also survived by her brother, Rick Gray, and his partner, Sue Grangel; her first husband and father of her children, Dr. Robert C. White; as well as many beloved friends and family members.

Family and friends are welcomed to visiting hours on Thursday, March 12, from 5–7 p.m. at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. A funeral service will follow on Friday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Bible Church, 307 Lancaster Street, West Boylston.