Janet Ann Amerson

Janet Ann Amerson was born on August 26,1949, the second oldest of seven children, to Fred Thames, Sr., (U.S. Steel Worker and Army Veteran) and Kittie Belle Slaughter (Homemaker & Pittsburg Unified School District Worker).

From the moment she arrived on the scene, Janet stole the show, commanding the attention of siblings and classmates alike with her dramatic flair. Growing up, she enjoyed family gatherings and get togethers, which gave her a chance to share her creativity whether it was hosting, singing, or playing the piano. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, CA in 1968 and originally aspired to become a flight attendant in her earlier years, but instead settled into motherhood and had her beloved children Celeste Amerson, Gina Amerson and Coier Amerson. Later in life, she met and fell in love with her life partner, Willie Madison, with whom she welcomed her youngest daughter, Liza Madison, into the world. Janet continued her life with Mr. Madison, who loved and cared for her and their children until his passing in 1995.

Janet held many jobs over the years, the most prominent of which was for the Fresno Police Department as a records clerk, and later in various nursing, assisted living and long-term care facilities, with her clients all benefiting from her constant efforts to advocate for the voiceless and underrepresented. Over the years, she continued to be a staunch advocate for patient rights, participating in the resident council at the facility where she herself resided.

Janet had a special love and gift for cooking, delighting her family and friends with some of her favorites like her homemade biscuits, sweet potato pies, greens and chilaquiles. Janet's culinary talents were just as captivating as her performances, and her kitchen was a stage where she shared her love through the art of cooking. She also had hobbies which included thrifting and gardening; she could see the beauty in often-overlooked items and had a gift for nurturing that could bring the most withered plants new life. Her belief in the power of prayer was a guiding force in her life, and her favorite saying was, "Pray, Pray, and keep on Praying."

On September 26, 2023, at the age of 74, Janet Ann Amerson, a beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt, passed away at John Muir Hospital in Concord, CA. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, her daughter Celeste and eldest sister Connie Faye Wright. She leaves behind 3 brothers, Fred Thames, Jr., Todd Thames, Juan Johnson and 2 sisters, Rhonda Jackson and Risé Thames Burgie. The legacy of her love lives on in her grandchildren London Amerson, Preace Amerson, Sarai Amerson, and Olivia Ann Boulton. A memorial message line has been set up at 916-857-3598; friends and family are encouraged to share their most cherished memories and messages.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 12:30pm with a funeral service at 1:30pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Burial following at Oak View Memorial Park 2500 E. 18th St., Antioch, Ca 94509.