Jan DeVault grew up in Midland, Texas. She received a degree in history from the University of Texas, Arlington and has pursued graduate work in that field.

Being from West Texas, it was natural to pursue a career in the energy industry and she began a career as a petroleum landman before serving in various administrative capacities with both public and private companies..

A fifth-generation Texan, Jan has lived in Houston since 1983, has two sons, and three grandchildren. She has written and published several short stories and articles--- fiction and non-fiction---as well as compiled, The Ladies and the Battlefield, a history of the involvement of the San Jacinto Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas in saving and preserving the San Jacinto Battleground.

Jan is interested in supporting local history endeavors. She is a member of the Texas State Historical Association and SETMA (Southeast Texas Museum Association, a regional arm of Texas Association of Museums).