Jan Dockery has made history in La Grange, Texas. She’s become the city’s first Black mayor, a role she earned through decades of hard work and community involvement.
Dockery’s journey to this landmark position is a testament to her dedication and the trust she’s built among La Grange residents.
From Dishwasher to Mayor: Jan Dockery’s Inspiring Journey
Dockery’s work ethic has been evident since childhood. At just 13, she earned her first paycheck as a dishwasher at the Bon Ton café. Even before that, she was responsible for getting her younger siblings ready for school.
“I had to be the good example for them,” Dockery recalls. This early responsibility sparked her desire to serve others, a trait that would define her career.
A Working Mayor: Approachable and Connected to the Community
Despite her new role, Dockery remains deeply connected to her community. She still takes shifts as a cashier at the local H-E-B and occasionally waits tables.
“You can’t say I’m not approachable,” Dockery says. “You can probably stop anybody in the city limits and ask, ‘Where’s Jan Dockery?’ and they would be able to find me real quick.”
An Unexpected Path to Politics
Dockery’s journey into politics was unexpected. It began in 1990 when she started volunteering at her daughter’s school. This led to a job in the school system and an introduction to Janet Moerbe, La Grange’s previous mayor.
Moerbe recognized Dockery’s potential and encouraged her to run for City Council. When Moerbe retired, she endorsed Dockery’s mayoral run in 2021.
Making History: La Grange’s First Black Mayor
Dockery’s election was historic. She won with 59% of the vote, becoming La Grange’s first Black mayor. This achievement was particularly significant as Dockery hadn’t seen any other Black residents in political leadership before.
“It’s a dream that I never ever thought would happen, but I had to give it a shot,” Dockery says. Her success is rooted in the community’s trust. “People trusted me because they knew me as an individual.”
Jan Dockery’s story is one of perseverance, community service, and breaking barriers. Her journey from a young dishwasher to La Grange’s first Black mayor inspires hope and demonstrates the power of hard work and community trust.
