Jane Iris Coffee Sandlin, 95, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in Liberty Hill, Texas, surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely.
Jane was born on July 18, 1930, in Loraine, Texas, to Ira and Mary Coffee. She grew up in Loraine and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class at just 16 years old—an early sign of the sharp wit and determination that would define her entire life. She went on to attend McMurry College in Abilene and married Erle O. Sandlin, Jr. in 1951. Together, they raised six children while traveling the world as a military family before eventually putting down roots in Austin in the early 1970s, long before the rest of us realized how special that place would become.
Starting in 1976, Jane built a career as the Office Manager of Smith Surveyors in downtown Austin. She loved her work so much that she stayed well into her 70s, becoming “Miss Jane” to just about everyone who walked through the door. If you met her once, you were likely a friend for life.
But her real legacy lives in the way she loved people.
Jane was known by many names, (Mom, Momma, Mother, Mommason, Grandma Jane, Jane Bob, Bob-Bob, Miss Jane) and somehow, she made each person who used those names feel like they were her favorite. (A long-running family joke… though most of us are still convinced it was true.)
She had a gift for connection that felt almost unreal. Whether you were 10 or 100, she met you exactly where you were. She listened. She laughed. She remembered. She told stories that could transport you decades back like it all happened yesterday. She saw people the way she saw her favorite flowers—tulips—each one growing differently, each one worthy of appreciation exactly as they are.
She was quick, witty, and effortlessly funny. Compassionate to her core. The kind of person who didn’t hold judgment for anyone (except, perhaps, Aggies and Sooners).
Jane was also one of the Texas Longhorns’ most loyal fans. She bled burnt orange in every sense. Every game of every sport mattered. Every play was analyzed. Win or lose, you could count on a phone call about it. In fact, she was watching March Madness less than a week before she passed… because of course she was!
At home, Jane created a space that became the heart of the family. It was in her living room that her daughter and son-in-law were married. Years later, it was in that same room that a proposal took place so she could be there for it. She helped pick out wedding dresses from her seat at the head of the table. She made holidays feel like home—famous for her cheese grits, her biscuits, and her Thanksgiving dressing (always with a separate batch without onions, because that’s what love looks like). And when new people entered the family, she made space for them, too, making the gift of popcorn a reliable tradition (IYKYK).
She raised six children with a fierce, unwavering love that only a tough, no-nonsense Texas woman could manage. That love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchild, each of whom carries a piece of her forward.
Jane is survived by her children David C. Sandlin and his wife Kellye; Thomas S. Sandlin and his partner Don Crowell; William (Jack) Sandlin; Mary (May) Endres and her husband Dan; and Steven J. Sandlin and his wife Tamara; her grandchildren Amy Sandlin, Kristi Sandlin, Sarah Sandlin, Julie Sandlin, Katie Sandlin, Mason Endres, Zachary Sandlin, Riley Sandlin, Reagan Sandlin, and Zane Sandlin; her great-grandchild Makayla Sandlin-Cole; and beloved family members Kathie Sandlin, Cameron Pond, and Carrie Smith-Sandlin.
She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Lt. Col. Erle O. Sandlin, Jr.; her brother Russell Coffee; her sister Mara Lee Nichols; her oldest son Erle O. Sandlin III (Andy); and her granddaughter Jane Sandlin.
Jane aged the way she lived: honestly, fully, and on her own terms. She was the blueprint. The matriarch. The kind of person who leaves behind a standard you spend the rest of your life trying to live up to.
Her family finds comfort knowing she is now reunited with Andy, Jane, Russell, and so many others she loved deeply—and if there’s a glass of red wine involved somewhere up there, that feels about right too.
The world is undeniably better because she was in it for 95 years. It will feel a little emptier without her. Her stories, her laughter, and her love will continue to echo through every room she once filled.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, ring a cowbell on every UT touchdown in her memory.
Hook ’em in heaven, Jane. 🧡
One Response
This is the most beautiful, spot-on salutation written for a remarkable woman! She was a dandy! Loved her quick wit and accompanying laughter! Truly an incredible woman who was Loved by many! I was Blessed to know Jane-Bob 💖