Janie McRae Horton Saxon passed away on August 25, 2025, in Ruston, LA, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Lexington, Mississippi, on December 22, 1952, to Claude and Jean Horton. Her family moved to Monroe, Louisiana, where she graduated from Neville High School and was a proud member of the original Bengal Belles dance team.
She attended Louisiana Tech University and received a degree in Business Administration. While at Tech, she was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority, serving as its Vice-President her senior year. She also served as the Executive Commander of Angel Flight and was the Secretary for the Student Government Association. She was listed as Who’s Who at Louisiana Tech her senior year.
In 1973-74, Janie served as Peach Queen representing Tech and Ruston at the Peach Festival and at events throughout the state. In all her activities during her life, Janie was known to be spirited, enthusiastic, and fun-loving.
After graduation, Janie began working for South Central Bell, later AT&T, and retired from there in 2003.
In 2002, Janie married Walter L. Saxon who passed away in 2014. They enjoyed RVing across the United States. Janie was an avid sports fan, especially SEC sports teams. She also loved to dance whenever she heard music.
Janie was active in P.E.O. International and served as Louisiana State Chapter President in 2017-2018. Reflective of Janie’s personality, she chose “Jazzing Up the Lives of Women” as her presidential year theme. After transferring from Chapter W in Baton Rouge, she became a member of Chapter AO in Ruston when she moved there in 2019.
Janie was preceded in death by her husband, Walt; her parents, Claude and Jean; her stepsister, Evelyn; stepbrother, Bob; and great nephew, Luke Traylor.
She leaves behind her sister, Dona (Bud) Traylor; nephews Brad and Robert (Janna) Traylor; niece Lisa Coleman (Shane), great nephews and nieces, Jackson, Abigail, and Will Ross Coleman, Owen Traylor, and Lydia Traylor; stepson, Scott Saxon (Brandi); and step grandsons, John Saxon (Alyssa) and Collin Saxon (Chasity) and several great grandchildren.
She also leaves her puppy, Zimmer, who was her beloved friend, and numerous friends who considered her family.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held in Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, LA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the PEO Scholarship Fund c/o Chapter AO, Carol Trumbold, Treasurer, 126 Canard Circle, Ruston, LA 71270, in Janie’s memory.
