Janadean "Jana" Ables Vinson

Janadean “Jana” Ables Vinson, 45 of Mineral Wells, was relieved from pain and received into the loving arms of our Lord on June 13, 2023.  She was born June 30, 1977 in Weatherford, Texas to Dean “Dink” and Dana Beth Ables.

Jana attended Millsap ISD from kindergarten through 9th grade where her mom, Dana Beth Ables, taught first grade.  Jana then finished her high school career at Mineral Wells ISD where she graduated in 1995.  She excelled in athletics and was named Seventeen Magazine Sports Girl of the Year where she was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and a photoshoot in Los Angeles.  Jana was also the first Mineral Wells Index Woman of the Year.  She was a member of the Lady Ram basketball team that was inducted into the Mineral Wells Hall of Fame.  Jana went on from high school to Texas Tech University to earn a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and then on to earn a Master’s Degree from Tarleton State University. She served her community through her work with families and children at Pecan Valley and later with CPS.  Jana also worked with CASA and was recognized for her compassionate work with children and desire to help. 

Jana’s love for animals and her compassion for people was evident through her actions.  She was always there to help anyone in need.  Jana’s smile was contagious and could brighten the day of those that encountered her. She loved to hunt and fish with her husband and bonus kids on the “farm/ranch” in Lingleville that has been in her mom’s family since the early 1800s. Jana also loved to cook and grow herbs, special peppers, and tomatoes in her raised garden beds.  

Jana leaves behind her husband, Justin Vinson of Mineral Wells, her bonus children AIC Blane Vinson of Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Grant and Rayni Vinson of Baird.  Her loving mother Dana Beth Martin Ables and stepfather Mike Adkins of Mineral Wells.  She is also survived by her aunts, Lottie Ables Finch and Fay Ables of Lubbock, Uncle Dail Ables and his wife Carol of Temple, Larry and Christina Martin of Stephenville, and Daniel Martin of Proctor.  Jana also leaves behind her stepbrothers and their families, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends.  Also, her precious “dream dog,” Primrose who she loved with all her heart. 

Jana was preceded in death by her father Dean “Dink” Ables of Mineral Wells, her paternal grandparents Hubert Vernon and Denzel Oneta Ables of Desdemona, her maternal grandparents Daniel Leborn and Leona Trice Martin of Lingleville, her uncle Dwain Martin of Hico, and her uncle Vernon Ables of Dublin. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bankhead Texas Wine Bar Venue in Mineral Wells on Monday, July 17th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. It will be a come and go with food, fellowship, and sharing memories of our Jana. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to support the new dog park coming to Mineral Wells.  Checks can be made payable to “Friends of MW Dog Park” at Community National Bank or can be dropped off at Bankhead Texas Wine Bar.