Jan Crouch, who co-founded the Trinity Broadcasting Network with her husband (and Jim an Tammy Faye Bakker) in the 1970s, died today after suffering a stroke. She was 78.

From her LA Times obituary:

Jan Crouch enjoyed vast, loyal support from viewers of “Praise the Lord,” the show in which she appeared with her husband. Fans found inspiration in her family story, lifestyle and charity work…

Over the years, though, the ministry has been criticized for glitzy sets and the Crouches’ lavish lifestyles. Some mainstream theologians argued their prosperity gospel ran counter to Christian teachings about the perils of wealth – especially since lower-income, rural Southerners were among the most faithful donors to their tax-exempt charity….

Her tastes, which ran to baby-doll curls and frilly dresses, gave pause even to those who admired the couple’s ministry. Morning News columnist Steve Blow, while praising the Crouches’ sincerity, dubbed her look “Tammy Faye Antoinette.”

Ha! Regardless of how you feel about Jan, there was no denying that ultra-campy over-the-top style. Her ginormous purple wigs (which looked like Lady Bunny and Farrah Fawcett got into a weave war with Rainbow Brite), and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane dresses kept us all talking for damn near 40 years. Let’s look back on some of those looks. (I especially enjoy the wig-under-the-wig look in some of these pics).

Finally, here is Jan with no wig on at all. As fab as the wigs are, it kind of makes you wonder why she wore them at all…?