J. Janet Williams

J. Janet Williams, known as “Jeanette” to her childhood loved ones was born in Cabot, AR on March 25, 1939.  Janet was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Eva Jackson and all of her siblings:  Una Dell Edwards, Sammy Joe Jackson, and Barbara Boyd.

               Janet passed away on January 27, 2023, in Cabot, AR.  She is survived by her two daughters Pamela Williams of Porter, OK; Diana Marshall (Rod) of Tulsa, OK; two grandsons, Cody Fissel (Crystal) and Connor Marshall of Tulsa, OK; and two great-grandchildren:  Nathan and Imogen.

               As she went to paradise to be with Jesus, she was lovingly surrounded by her two daughters, Pamela and Diana, and her grandson Connor.  Also in attendance were some loving staff from Crestview Senior Living of Cabot and Arkansas Hospice.  Janet will be having an incredible reunion with her daughter who preceded her, Rebecca Williams Chambers, and the love of her life and husband of fifty-one years, James D. Williams.

               Janet grew up in the small rural community of Zion Hill outside of Cabot, Arkansas.  She was raised during the post-depression era, knowing the value of close faith, family, and friends.

               In her youth, she was a member of the wonderful Zion Hill Baptist Church, est. 1895, and later in life a member of Saint James United Methodist Church, Tulsa, OK.

               Janet enjoyed those old southern gospel hymns she was raised on and sang them every day of her life.  Her loss of memory did not steal them away.  Although illness eventually did steal her ability to play the piano and changed her sweet singing voice, she continued to sing.  She sang out with conviction and faith up until it was a whisper the day before her death.  It wasn’t simply her love of music, but the words of those hymns fed her spirit, giving her strength and uplifting her heart.

               Janet was educated in Cabot, AR at Bayou Meto and Jacksonville Schools.  Later, she was a teacher at Draughon School of Business in Little Rock, AR and Tulsa, OK, teaching a business etiquette course.  She continued teaching what was then known as “charm school” from her Tulsa home part-time.  Janet did not fit the stereotype of an etiquette teacher.  She looked at it as a cause.  Which fork to use was not important, other than giving her students the information to build their confidence allowing them to cross barriers so they could have success.  She wasn’t teaching her clients etiquette so they could feel superior over others, but to help them feel confident so they could go anywhere and be anything they wanted in life. She genuinely loved being a cheerleader for people. Because of her knowledge in this area, she also naturally gravitated toward being an unofficial event planner, helping with many weddings and fundraisers.  She blossomed at these times having fun with her creativity.

               Janet was a playful spirit, eager to try new things. Even when she wasn’t she would participate just for the fun of the other person.  Many times, her husband talked her into roller coasters or silly pranks. Even though a very poised lady, that didn’t stop her from trying new things.  She has gone skiing, parasailing, horseback riding, and bowled when pregnant, and bowled later from her wheelchair. Although she grew up as a country girl and that remained in her heart, she appreciated the luxury of the city life as far as the “nature”.  Although, she loved animals, and dogs and cats were a part of the family, it was only some of the nature she didn’t appreciate. On a horseback trail ride with her family, her horse was hot and decided to sit down in the creek, which brought on dramatic screaming from her and laughter from her family.  She hated snakes and couldn’t stand even a photo of a snake, (which was a huge opening for her husband and family to play pranks).  Don’t feel bad, she would play them right back to them.

               She was overly considerate and aware of others’ needs. She was eager to know someone new, often turning acquaintances into close friends.  Her interest was genuine and went beyond being a social person, her love pure with no judgment present.  Perhaps that’s why so many were drawn to her and loved her back.  Come celebrate this beautiful woman on Monday, February 6 at her childhood church, Zion Hill Baptist Church, 11923 Zion Hill Road, Cabot, Arkansas. 

               Family Visitation:  1:00 pm, Funeral Service:  2:00 pm, Burial immediately following:  Sumner Cemetery