Jeanette Shamas

Ballard Funeral Home
Full Obit
September 25, 2011

Jeanette Ann Shamas

The Hopis right of the Blue Star Kachina. On September 24th, at approximately 2:08 in the morning, our mother left to go and join the Elders. A friend reported, that here in Roswell, he walked outside around the same time 2:08a.m., looked up, and saw a star directly overhead emitting blue rays from its core. Yes, Jan PaulShamas was a very special person.
Born on April 5, 1933, to Elza Paul and Willie Mae Zinn in Roswell, New Mexico, she grew up with five half sisters and brothers all who are no longer living. Four sisters, Chrolette, Annette, Irene, and Eleanor, and one brother Gordon Paul, all who have transitioned.
Jan attended elementary school at Mark Howel, junior high at South Pueblo and high school at Roswell High Yucca.
Upon graduation she went to work for New Mexico State Engineers office with her long time friend Tommie Sue Dunnahoo. While working at State Engineers she met her husband Joe Shamas Jr. They were married on December 24th, 1953 at St. Peters Church.
After buying the Shamas Food Store chain in 1968, they worked together at the stores for 25 years before they were sold.
Jan then operated Shoes by Jan Opal next to the defunct Dennys on Main, went back to school at 54, successfully completing her cosmetology classes and graduating, then attended classes in Los Angeles under the direction of Jose Eber and had a successful career as a hairstylist and esthetician. Jan retired from the cosmetology industry in 2002. She has two living sons Dr. Phillip B. Shamas of Roswell, Greg J. Shamas of Albuquerque, 54 nieces and nephews, and Joe Shamas Jr., her husband.
Jan was very involved in the community, working as a Red Coat, volunteering at St. Marys Hospital and made sure the Poor Clares received their weekly groceries.
From Secretary, to mother, to shop owner, to cosmetologist, there was absolutely nothing she could not do once her mind was made up.
We have all lost a loving mother, friend, and companion, yet Jan is once again with her family, now at peace and happily sending her love and guidance from afar.
Jan will be laid to rest at South Park Cemetery next to her mother and the Paul Girls her sisters.

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