Janet Carole "Jan" Fletcher

Janet Carole Fletcher, 72, of Murphysboro, went to be with the Lord at 12:27 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2015. She was surrounded by her family as she made her journey into everlasting life. Jan was born on August 9, 1943 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Gordon C. Abernathie and Jessie M. (Abernathie) Blaylock. She married William Kenneth Fletcher on December 22, 1963 at Elm Street Baptist Church in Murphysboro, Illinois. They walked hand in hand together for 52 love-filled years. To the marriage was born two daughters, Jani Jo and Juli Ann. Jan was a member of First Christian Church in Murphysboro, where she served the Lord with her tremendous musical talents as a pianist, vocalist, organist and choir director. Over the years she was also active in the church choir, handbell choir, VBS, Christian Womens Fellowship and Workers for Christ. She shared her beautiful music for hundreds of weddings and funerals, as well as community events including Apple Festival shows and July 4th celebrations at the bandshell. She touched the lives of thousands of students not only through teaching music and accompanying for solo and ensemble contests, but also as a school teacher and mentor for 50 years. Jan began her teaching career in 1965 in DuQuoin. She went on to teach Physical Education and Health in Tamms, Sparta and Elkville. She also coached girls softball, basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. As cheerleading coach, Jan was THE Queen of Peanut Roll manufacturing and distribution! In 1980, she transitioned to the classroom as a 5th grade teacher for Vergennes Elementary School. She retired from public school teaching in 1999, but continued to educate and mold young minds as a substitute teacher for Elverado school district and Murphysboro school district. Aside from her passion for teaching and music, Jan loved her convertibles and motorcycles. Jan and Bill were often seen cruising in their red volkswagen convertible or donning their leather and vrooming around town on their Honda Shadows. This beautiful woman, Janet Fletcher, is survived by her loving husband, William, daughter Jani Bryant and husband Gene of Seattle, WA, and daughter Juli Mozockie and husband Jeffrey of Glen Ellyn, IL. She also has three wonderful grandchildren – William Bryant, Joshua Mozockie and Jordan Mozockie, whom she dearly loved and adored. Also surviving is one sister, Sonya Adkerson of Edwardsville, IL, and one brother, Gordon “Butch” Abernathie of Rapid City, SD. Visitation will be held at Crawshaws Funeral Home in Murphysboro on Monday, September 21st from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Services will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at 10:00 am at First Christian Church, 1501 Pine Street, Murphysboro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, to the Alzheimers Association in memory of her mother, to the American Cancer Society in honor of her husband William and daughter Jani, or to the Mulkeytown Cemetary, her final resting place.

Janet Carole "Jan" Fletcher

August 9, 1943 - September 17, 2015