Obituary of Janis "Jan" Benson Zakrzewski

Jan Zakrzewski, 74, of Bastrop passed away November 3, 2021. Her daughters were by her side singing her favorite hymns as she drifted off to be with Jesus. She was born to Haywood and Martha Benson on June 5, 1947 in Thornton, Arkansas. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, November 8, 2021, in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home in Bastrop, Louisiana from 10 AM - 12 PM. Interment will be at 2:30 PM Monday in Means Cemetery - Hampton, AR. Mrs. Jan, as most knew her, was a talented artist who shared her gifts with this community for over 30 years. She owned Jan’s Art Studio and taught art and painting classes to adults and children. She began painting in 1974 and primarily painted in oils and acrylics but also enjoyed other mediums. She was highly skilled in painting portraits, landscapes, florals and still life. Many people in Bastrop and the surrounding areas have paintings of hers hanging in their homes and places of business. Her talent was a true gift from God and she touched the lives of everyone she met. Many of her students became some of her closest and dearest friends. She loved Jesus, her family, her country, and was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan. Mrs. Jan is survived by her husband, Dr. Ed Zakrzewski; daughters, Tammy Mozey and Melanie Godfrey and husband Todd; step-daughter, Suzanne Roberts; step-sons, Bruce Zakrzewski and David Zakrzewski; grandchildren, Brittany Mozey, Brooke Mozey, Devin Godfrey and Megan Godfrey; step-grandchildren, Matthew Roberts, Kera Roberts, Nathan Zakrzewski; and one great-grandson to arrive in December, Ridge Morgan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Haywood A. Benson and Martha A. Benson; and brother, Eddie Dean Benson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home - 7200 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203 or to a charity of one’s choice.