Jana Nesbit Hepting

Jana Nesbit Hepting went to Heaven to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 27th. She fought the most courageous battle with cancer to the end and was surrounded by some of her closest family. She leaves behind the love of her life, Ronald “Ronnie” and two daughters & sons-in-law, Keri Hepting Rabalais (Christopher) & Kayln Hepting Stephens (Nicholas). She is predeceased by her parents, the late William Nesbit, Sr & Joy Legendre Nesbit; her Aunt & Uncle, the late Jeannette (“Jann”) & Emile Legendre III; and her grandparents, Frances & Emile Legendre, Jr. She is survived by her two grandchildren, Matthew Robert Rabalais & Fallon Joy Rabalais; her brother, William Nesbit, Jr (Deanna); brother-in-law, Kenny Hepting; sisters-in-law, Laverne (Donald Bordelon), Barbara (the late Harry Prejeant), Debra (the late Kenneth Mahar), & Sarina (Kenny); a host of Hepting and Nesbit family nieces & nephews; her Godchild, Amy Nesbit Bliss (Gilbert); her nephew & niece, William Nesbit, III (Avielle) & Chloe Nesbit; and her “grand-dog” Presley & “grand-cats” Xena & Charlie.

Jana was born in New Orleans, LA, on June 11, 1962, to Joy Legendre Nesbit & William Nesbit, Sr. Her older brother, William, Jr (Bill), was born almost 3 years to the day before. The young family resided in Algiers together until her father’s tragic death in 1966, when Jana was only 3 years old. Her mother raised her and her brother with the help of her village, “MawMaw”, “Uncle” & “Aunt Jann” in Gretna, LA. She attended school at St. Joseph Elementary in Gretna & Archbishop Blenk High School (class of 1980). She was an Archbishop Shaw cheerleader & pep squad member throughout high school. In 1982, she graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Electrical Construction with the dream of being an Electrician. Her career began in the maritime industry with a later-in-life love of teaching CPR & Crisis Prevention at Ochsner Health System. She retired from Ochsner in 2024 in order to enjoy life & travel more.

At 16, she met a “cute” 18-year-old co-worker, and the two soon became inseparable. After a 5-year courtship, they married in June of 1983 and later had two daughters in 1988 (Keri) & 1992 (Kayln). In 1997, Jana began attending White Dove Fellowship and gave her life to Jesus. There, she was involved in Christmas musicals (costume design/set design/sewing), Children’s Church (Sunday school teacher/assistant), & Vacation Bible School, among other ministries. She loved to volunteer with Lifesongs Radio and was a frequent caller to their various radio shows.

Some of her favorite things to do were crafting, playing games (including ones she invented herself), spending time with her family, reading her Bible, fill-in puzzles, & entertaining family at their property in Mississippi (“The Cabin”). A favorite activity was to travel with their camper to see her favorite Christian artists in concert in different states and take long road-trip vacations, which she planned to the last detail.

Her grandchildren, Matthew Robert & Fallon Joy, were her pride and joy. She was the best “Grammy” anyone could have asked for. She loved spending time with them, whether it was at home, the Cabin, or anywhere in between. Family camping trips were filled with bike rides, laughter, and early morning conversations over coffee.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Benson Cancer Center, the Tansey Breast Center (Ochsner), Ochsner-Jeff Hwy Emergency Room (Chelsea & Euclide), and Ochsner-West Bank ICU & Emergency Room (Ms. Jolene & Joshua). The family would especially like to thank Jessica Baudier, NP, and Dr. Caitlin Taylor at Tansey, & Angela Fountain, NP, at Ochsner-West Bank for their compassion in this heartbreaking time.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date with close family & friends. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider making a donation to Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources (SOAR) or Lifesongs Radio.