Janis (Jan) Carol Watkins Carpenter, 73, of The Villages, in Florida, was called home from her role here on earth to eternity in heaven on Monday, May 2, 2016. She passed away after a 3-1/2 year struggle with ovarian cancer.
Jan was known for her ability to live life to the fullest. Her priorities in life were the love of God, family and others. Jan never met a challenge she could not address and she did it with vigor, empathy, and joy.
Raised in Griffith, Indiana, Jan graduated from Griffith High School. She continued her education with both a Bachelors and Masters in Education from Ball State University. Upon graduation she was an elementary teacher in the Highland and Griffith School systems for thirty-three years. Then she taught graduate education courses for Indiana Wesleyan University.
Jan was involved in a multitude of activities. She created exceptional floral gardens which sometimes were featured in Crown Point Garden Walks. She earned the designation of Master Gardener, was an instructor and owned a landscaping design company. Jan was involved with the Kairos Prison Ministry and was a team member for the Great Banquet Organization. At First Presbyterian Church in Crown Point, she participated in the choir, bell choir, served as a deacon, an elder, and organized “get-acquainted” groups.
In September 2008, Jan and husband Gene, moved to The Villages in Florida. Jan dove into this new setting with characteristic vigor. She was in the Welcome Committee for Aberdeen Run, their new neighborhood. She completed the Florida Master Gardener program. She was an active member of North Lake Presbyterian Church and participated in organizing the small group ministry. Jan loved singing in “Belle Tones” and “Sisters in Harmony”. Golfing with friends, game nights, and Starbucks gatherings were frequent occurrences. One of her favorite things was her “Disney Diva” group that made many trips, in coordinating outfits, to visit Mickey. Jan taught herself how to make countless balloon creations delighted in giving them away. Jan was also known as “Jingles” the clown.
Jan is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband of 31 years Gene Carpenter and children: Holly (Bonifacio) Avila, grandson Bonifacio (Cheyenne) Avila and great- grandson Anthony (Anderson, IN); Heather Rice (TX); Stepson Bill (Janet) Carpenter (Columbus, OH) and grandchildren: Megan, Nathan, Shosh and Harry; stepdaughter Vicki Sitz (Fort Wayne, IN); daughter Kimberly (Max) Dysh and children: Erika, Vanessa, Kyle, Micah, Isaac and Allison (Freeport, FL); her sister Joan (Dr. Carl) Voyles and nephew Erik Abrahamson (Anna Maria, Florida); her brother Don (Irene) Watkins (Dyer, IN) and niece Amanda. Over the years Jan was host mother to five Rotary foreign exchange students, one of which continued as part of the family: Jennifer (Stephen van Gulck) Birkett and children: Julian and Romane (Brussels, Belgium). She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha (Seifert) Watkins and Clayton Watkins.
Two memorial services are planned: Tuesday, May 10 – 9:30 a.m. – First Presbyterian Church of Crown Point, Indiana and Thursday, May 19 – 11 a.m. – North Lake Presbyterian Church of The Villages, Florida, Memorial donations can be made to: Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.
“When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you will be the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.” Quote by Jordan Smith.
