It’s funny how God brings people together—often with very different personalities.
My first impression of Jannie 35 years ago was that she was stoic, all business, and didn’t seem like someone you’d joke around with. She had this no-nonsense, get-things-done kind of personality. Those traits scared me, so I avoided her.
But God had a plan
We got to know each other through our Family-in-Fellowship planning committee here at church, and little by little, I saw more of who Jannie really was.
Years later, my husband Dennis and I were recruited for a mission trip to Ecuador with Eddie and Jannie—along with 25 others. Jannie also introduced us to the world of cruising and even encouraged me to join Bible Study Fellowship, which eventually led my husband and two brothers to join as well.
Over time, my perception of Jannie completely changed. Beneath that business-like exterior was a kind, generous, and very hardworking woman.
She worked hard—as she and Eddie grew Edward’s Office Systems and Edward’s Medical. Jannie was often the first to arrive and the last to leave the office. She’d get home around 7, make dinner, wash the dishes, and then head upstairs to her office, where she had two monitors going—one for work and the other to watch the Sacramento Kings game. And if you ever got an email or a text from Eddie, there’s a good chance it was actually from Jannie—Because she was Eddie’s executive secretary as well.
You know the saying, “Behind every successful man is a good woman.” That was Jannie.
Jannie and Eddie were always opening their home, whether it was their house in Sacramento, where we would cool off in the pool on those hot summer days or their beautiful home at the Lake of the Pines in Auburn. Hospitality was second nature to Jannie.
We shared so many dinners together, especially when a coupon or gift certificate was involved. Jannie loved a good deal, almost as much as she loved chicken wings, fried chicken, potato salad, and yes, even chicken feet.
After they retired, Jannie once told me that she and Eddie realized God had not brought many trials into their lives. And so, being a woman of faith, she prayed that God would bring trials to grow her faith in Him. I remember looking at her and thinking, Why? I had plenty of trials already, why would anyone ask for more? But that was JANNIE.
And not long after, cancer came into her life. She never questioned God. She never got angry…She believed in a faithful and trustworthy God. She drew her strength from her Creator.
During her chemo treatments, her immune system was compromised, so she’d retreat to her sewing room, finding peace and purpose there. She sewed cloth coasters and microwavable bowl covers—delighting in giving them away to friends… I can’t even walk into my kitchen without seeing little reminders of her: those bowl covers, crochet kitchen towels, coasters. I know many of you have her handiwork in your kitchen as well—a beautiful reflection of her generosity.
Just a week before Jannie passed, a dear sister visited and asked if there was a Bible verse that brought her comfort. Without hesitation, Jannie shared Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” That was my friend. She trusted her Creator completely. She knew God was good.
As I reflect on Jannie’s life, I can’t help but think of the Proverbs 31 woman. Here are a few verses that stand out:
Verse 12: She does good for her husband all her life.
Verse 13: She enjoys making things with her hands.
Verse 15: She wakes up early, prepares food for her family…works late into the night to make sure her business thrives. She was never lazy.
Eddie, I know you and your family would agree with me—“There are many good women, but Jannie, you’re among the best.”
I will miss you. See you in heaven, my dear friend.