Janet Lea Means

Janet Lea Means, 68, passed peacefully in her Marietta home on Saturday, January 17th following a courageous 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Janet was the daughter of the late Richard Emile Means and Genevieve Hinton Means. Janet is survived by her sister Cheryl Means Howlett of Chapel Hill, N.C. (Chris), a niece Kathryn Abrams (Brian) of Pinehurst, N. C., two grand nephews, John and Ben Abrams, a niece Christen Howlett of Chapel Hill, N.C., and first cousins, Tina Means Hughes, Rob Means (Joan), Bob White (Melisa), Don White (Ellie) and many beloved second cousins. Janet was a graduate of Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina and Georgia Baptist Hospital’s School of Nursing in Atlanta. Janet decided as a young child that she wanted to become a nurse. She fulfilled that dream, traveling to six countries, doing missionary work in her field. During her life, Janet worked in many areas of nursing, including that of hospital floor supervisor; but she especially enjoyed visiting patients in their homes. When it came to her patients, Janet was a perfectionist, wanting them to have the very best care possible. Janet retired at age 67, finishing the last years of her career working as a hospice nurse, where she said she was helping her patients into heaven. Janet had many interests in life; but, was best known for her kindness, friendliness and sparkling personality. She loved all people and brightened a room when she walked into it. She was a very giving person, always willing to help a friend or family member. She loved animals and they loved her. She was an active member of Passion City Church in Atlanta, where she served as a volunteer nurse on the medic team for church services. Janet’s faith was central to her life; and she was determined to praise Jesus through-out her illness. Janet enjoyed travel and enjoyed many trips to Europe, South America and Africa. She was very athletic and enjoyed exercise classes, swimming, boating, golfing, snow skiing and horseback riding her horse Sundance as a young girl. But her favorite activity, above all, was riding the waves on a boogie board at Ocean Creek Resorts in Myrtle Beach. Janet will be sorely missed by her family, friends and her two cats, Wilbur and Templeton. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, May 3rd at the Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Chapel, 180 Church Street NE, in Marietta, Georgia. The Reverand Frank Howlett will officiate. A reception will follow the service. All are welcomed. The family wishes to thank The Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Agape Hospice of Marietta, The Marvin Mitchell Nursing Service and the many kind doctors, nurses and dear friends, who assisted Janet with dedication and love during her illness. The family will receive flowers or you may contribute to your faith community or the charity of your choice in Janet’s memory. Condolences and tributes may be posted to the Mayes Ward-Dobbins website: mayeswarddobbins.com. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Janet Lea Means

December 4, 1957 - January 17, 2026