Janet Louise Buckwalter Saxon

Janet Louise Buckwalter Saxon, born April 5, 1930 in Newark, N.J., passed away August 14, 2003 after a lengthy illness. Her parents were Howard and Daisy Buckwalter. When she was two years old they moved to Detroit, Mich. where she spent her childhood. During her high school years she played cello and was the piano player for all of the school assemblies. She attended the University of Michigan and was a journalism major and member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. It was during this time that she met and married Gordon Saxon. They lived for a period of time in Michigan, California, New York and Texas before settling in Richmond, Va. in 1974. In Richmond she was active in Bon Air Women’s Club, tennis, teaching crafts as well as other activities. She and Gordon traveled widely regularly visiting with friends and family. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the Chancel Choir for 20 years. She also served on the Service and Worship Committees. Jan ran the Briarwood Bazaar for several years and sold crafts under the name "Lavender Lady". For over 10 years she taught crafts to "her ladies" at Westminster Canterbury. She also taught at the Tennessee Valley Woodcarving School for the wives of the carvers. As a tennis player at Briarwood she once played for the Club singles championship. Everyone who knew her will miss her sunny disposition and ready smile. Jan was a friend to all; she was always ready to offer compassion and help to those in need. Jan leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Gordon; three children, Dr. Keith Saxon of Bethesda, Md., Susan Davidson of Roswell, Ga., Nancy Harrison of Sugarloaf, Pa. and her husband, Brad Harrison. She leaves nine beloved grandchildren who refer to her fondly as "Purple Grandma". She also has a sister, Edith Buckwalter, in Hawaii. The family will be at home to receive friends at 3810 Hastings Dr. Saturday, August 16 between 4 and 7 p.m. Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Cary Street on Sunday, August 17 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the music fund at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd., Richmond, Va. 23226, 804-358-2383, or Hospice of Central Virginia, 7231 Forest Ave., suite 100, Richmond, Va. 23226, 804-281-0451.