Jann Todd
Jann Cook Todd, 76, a long-time resident of Albany, passed away on February 11, 2025. Her memorial service at Albany Methodist Church, and will be held on Monday, February 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Krueger officiating.
Jann was born in Breckenridge, Texas, on February 4, 1949, to William H and Eleanor G Cook. She attended Breckenridge schools, missing only a few days in the first grade and graduating high school with honors in 1967. Jann then attended Cisco Junior College, graduating again with honors in 1969. During her time at CJC, she was in the Wrangler Belles Drill Team, serving as Co-captain during her last year.
Jann married Howard Todd of Breckenridge on July 19, 1969, after a courtship of 5 years, taking that much time for him to convince her to marry him. They moved to Houston, Texas, where she worked for the Foley’s department store chain. They had two children, Brandee Liane and Kenneth Brandon.
The family moved to Albany in May of 1977 with Howard’s employment as pharmacist at Weaver-Oates Pharmacy. The couple purchased the pharmacy in 1978, with Jann serving as a soda jerk, accountant, gift wrapper, delivery person, certified Pharmacy Technician, and, in actuality, BOSS. The couple stayed in Albany after selling the pharmacy in 2008.
Throughout her life, Jann remained active in the community. She served as Stephens/Shackelford County representative with the Betty Hardwick Center for 12 years, serving as secretary until she resigned due to health. Jann also served for many years on the Administrative Board of the Methodist church in Albany and was a member of The Methodist Women’s group. Jann had been a member of the Methodist Youth in Breckenridge, serving as president her senior year and turning over the first spades of earth for the construction of the current Breckenridge Methodist church.
She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, serving in the Alpha Omicron Mu and Xi Chi Pi chapters and as a founding member of the Preceptor Omicron Phi chapter. During this time, she served in every office of each chapter and accumulated over 25 years of perfect attendance.
Jann loved to sing. She was in the church choir and was a long-time soloist and performer in the Fort Griffin Fandangle. She, along with her husband and Sandy Abel, instigated the formation of the community choir for the performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah for several years.
Jann was preceded in death by her parents, W H and Elenor Cook; son Kenneth; sisters, Jeanne Herndon and Jayne Dustin;, brother-in-law Bruce Todd; and one niece and two nephews.
She is survived by her husband Howard of more than 55 years, daughter Brandee Todd, and grandson Chase Miller. She is also survived by in-laws, Kathy Gray (husband Tim), Holly Stephens (husband Jas), Betsy Todd, Knox Todd (wife Courtenay), and Elizabeth Christian. Additionally, she is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Villa Haven for their care and compassion during the 5 years of her stay there, as well as the staff of Solaris Hospice for their assistance during the last days of her life.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jann, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
