Jane Justin

Marlin, Texas, was predominately known for its hot mineral baths and railroad glory. It was a special place for the young Jane Chilton, who would later become Jane Chilton Justin, wife of John S. Justin, Jr., grandson of H.J. Justin, founder of Justin Boots.

Jane was the oldest of four siblings, having two younger sisters and a brother. At that time, in a small town like Marlin, if you weren't an athlete, the next best opportunity was to be a band member. While not as musically talented as her sisters, she wanted to be part of the band so she could go to all the games with her friends, so she played the cymbals.

Upon graduating from high school in Marlin, she headed off to college in Denton, Texas, at Texas State College for Women (TSCW), now known as Texas Women’s University (TWU). A few years later, she sought additional education at Texas Christian University (TCU).

After college, Fort Worth became her home. She married Clyde W. Scott Jr. and worked with him at his family’s grain company until he passed away. They had two children.

She met John S. Justin, Jr. on her way to a Texas Christian University (TCU) football game. As the story goes, her brother-in-law, John B. Collier, had tried to set up a blind date for John S. Justin, Jr. and Jane, but he had declined. At a gathering with friends, just prior to leaving for the game, Mr. Justin looked up and saw a beautiful woman at the top of a staircase and asked who she was. John Collier said, “‘She’ was supposed to be your date for the football game!” A former model, Jane caught his eye, and he knew at that moment he had to meet her. Little did he know, he was about to meet his future wife. 

From that day on, Jane and John were inseparable. A mere six weeks later, in January 1953, they were married at Hemphill Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth.

They complemented each other well and enjoyed the many fundraisers and events they attended together. One life-long event they were both passionate about was the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, formerly the Fat Stock Show & Rodeo. They made many friends in the rodeo industry and maintained those friendships throughout their lives. Many stayed at their home during the rodeo, and many more came for home-cooked meals every night before the evening performance.

Undoubtedly, Fort Worth was the epicenter of their lives together. They both dedicated their lives to the city’s growth in unique ways. Mr. Justin became mayor of the city from 1961 to 1963. Jane was named First Lady of Fort Worth twice– once as the wife of the mayor and later by the Altrusa Club, a club of professional businesswomen. This was an award she was especially proud to receive as she was the first non-professional woman to be the recipient.

Her passion for philanthropy was evident. In 1966, she helped raise awareness and funds for the establishment of the Child Study Center, a multidisciplinary facility for children to meet their varied medical and educational needs all under one roof. She organized the Women’s Auxiliary and served as its president, establishing a training program for the volunteers.

A volunteer herself, she deeply believed it was important to give back to her community. Following through with that belief, she spent her free time serving on a plethora of boards and committees: the YWCA, Camp Fire Girls, Junior League of Fort Worth, Girls Service League, President of the Jewel Charity Ball that benefits Cook Children’s Hospital, and many others.

It is no wonder Jane could be found at any given time pouring herself into philanthropic endeavors, working with her hands, and proactively mothering her children with grace. As the oldest of four, responsibility was something she lived and shared throughout her life.

In the evenings at home, Jane could often be found reading, doing needlepoint, crewel embroidery, or scrapbooking photos and recipes. She was the type of woman who paved her own way based on hard work, determination, and giving it her all.

She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk and she did so in style. Jane’s sense of style is etched in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her. Portions of her Western wardrobe have been preserved in the archives of Justin Brands to ensure her legacy lives on. She had quite an exquisite collection of custom boots and matching outfits, complete with purses. They were designed and made for her by her good friend, Jo Decker. Jo would provide the colors of the clothes she was making to the Justin Boot Company to design and create custom-made boots to match. She definitely stood out in a crowd at any rodeo or party.

She not only graced lives with happiness and style but also good food. An avid cook, Jane Justin was no stranger to creating a welcoming dinner experience for anyone who came to her home or baking items for fundraisers. She considered herself a cultivated cook, not a natural one. However, her recipes would say otherwise. She enjoyed cooking so much that she created a cookbook called “Mother Jane’s Prescriptions for Hunger,” featuring recipes like Mrs. Jane Justin’s Famous Deep-Dish Peach Pie. All of the recipes were tested by her family. Once the books were printed, they were delivered to her home. She worked diligently to find stores in the Fort Worth area that would be interested in selling her books and personally delivered those books to their door. Also, individual orders of books were autographed and mailed out from her home and even gift-wrapped if requested. She sold over 10,000 cookbooks and later wrote another book, “Collecting with a Purpose,” to showcase her beautiful china collection.

An innovator in her own right, Jane Justin has gone down in history as a gracious lady who loved her city and the Western way of life. She loved people and devoted her time to helping others. Her philanthropy lives on today through the Jane & John Justin Foundation.

Today, Jane’s legacy lives on in many prominent Fort Worth spaces.