We are sad to announce the passing of Janice Posey Langdon, age 78, of Laguna Woods, CA.

The beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on December 21, 2023.

Jan spent several weeks in the hospital and was fighting her way back to health. But, in the end, her heart just gave out.

It is no wonder. Jan had a huge heart, that pumped furiously, and directed her path in life.

Whether driving her children to ice skating practice at 5 AM, driving all over the state to watch her grandchildren's events, cooking her friends a delicious meal, painting beautiful flowers, or hopping on the phone to lend an ear to a friend, Jan was all heart.

She was smart, capable and quick witted. She was fierce, protective, and expressive. She attracted groups of interesting people. She could host an elegant dinner party, and then stun the group with her passion and knowledge of politics.

She'd been like that her whole life. Her brother, Larry, said she lived life "her way."

Jan was born August 30th, 1945, in Laurel, Mississippi, to the late Bernadine and Albert B. Johnston. She was the oldest of three children, and grew up in a hard working, tight knit, Southern Baptist home. Her grandparents lived next door.

She was a dedicated student, got straight A's and graduated early from George S. Gardiner High School in Laurel at the age of 16.

She went on to Mississippi College where she was a debate champion. She became speech writer and political campaign organizer.

Her siblings, Larry and Sonya, called her "Sister." Others in Laurel called her "Carolyn," which is her middle name. Her brother, Larry, says you have to know where you come from, to know where you are going. Jan left Mississippi at an early age, but never forgot where she came from.

In the late 60's she moved to New Orleans and taught school before she married Dr. Leonard Posey III, and had three children; Kimberly, Lawton and Douglas.

The family moved several times, and Jan showed her depth of skills working as a school principal and the owner of a catering business.

In the late 80's she started First International Equities, a commercial real-estate company in Texas. Cal Fed Syndications in Los Angeles hired her to buy properties, and later named her Senior Vice President and Director of Acquisitions. She was one of the only women in top leadership positions. Her hard work, and incredible successes, offered a shining example for her children that anything is possible.

While working at Cal Fed, she met the love of her life, Andrew Langdon. They would spend the next 30 plus years side by side, and caring for Jan's children and their grandchildren.

They got married, took the kids on trips, moved them from city to city, and supported the kids any way they could.

Jan became a second mother to all of her children's friends. She helped create a group of people who became family by choice, not by blood.

After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Jan's life took another direction. Andy cared for her with devotion for decades. But even a lack of mobility couldn't slow her down. Literally. Her family knew to get out of the way if she came barreling around the corner in her wheelchair. No matter her physical health, Jan was a force.

When Jan and Andy moved back to California from Colorado to be close to their dear friends, Jan took advantage of all the community had to offer. She took multiple art classes and created beautiful, expressive pieces that her family will treasure. She had a knack for finding joy and beauty in her life.

Jan's ailments did not stop her from travelling. In fact Jan and Andy, the wheelchair and their dog Bella, spent several weeks in Scotland and Ireland last year with their friends Kathryn and Don.

Jan had faced life threatening moments before, but always pulled through. It seemed she had nine lives and would outlive all in the family. But that theory was put to rest this week, just as she will be. Jan's heart had worked too hard, for too long.

Jan is survived by her husband Andrew Langdon, her brother Larry Johnston and his wife Sandra Johnston, her sister Sonya Hanson, her children Kimberly Posey and her husband George Mason, Lawton Cummings and her husband Craig Cummings, Douglas Posey and his fiancé Andrea Quiner, her grandchildren Brenden Posey, Abbey Posey, Addison Cummings, Cooper Cummings, Max Lane and Mason Lane.

The grandchildren call her Grammy or Gram for short.

We love you Gram, and we know you love us. We'll see you on the other side.

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