Celebration services honoring the life and legacy of Janet Edgerton Chalk will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 27, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Meridian, Mississippi, with the Rev. Harriet Simmons officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. in the All Saints Hall. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Janet passed away peacefully at her home following a brief illness. She was 95 years old.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, and president of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Janet went on to become an elementary school teacher in the Meridian Public School District, where she touched countless lives.
Above all else, Janet wanted everyone to have a good time. A devoted and longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, she found great joy in beaches, gardening and nature - loving birds, deer, and especially her dogs, whom she fondly described as "the smartest dog in the world," one after another. Gracious, welcoming and kind, Janet - known affectionately as "Rosie" - was a loving and generous presence to all who knew her.
She is survived by her sons: John Abney Chalk, Jr. (Linda); Brig Gen. Franklin Edgerton Chalk, Sr. (RET) (Sharon); and Thomas Duncan Chalk, Sr. (Anne). She is also survived by her grandchildren: John A. Chalk, III; SFC. Jason P. Lane (RET) (Shannon); Stacey Jackson (Jon); Franklin E. Chalk, Jr. (Mandie), Erin P. Surprenant (Michael); and Thomas Duncan Chalk Jr.; as well as four great-grandchildren: Hadley Chalk, Hayes Chalk, Jackson Florey, Adeline Florey, Kyera Lane and Kaitlynn Lane, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Abney Chalk Sr., and her parents, Alvin Thomas Edgerton and Erma Schell Edgerton; brother Alvin Thomas Edgerton Jr. and his wife Nadia; and nephew Alvin Thomas Edgerton III.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Evelyn Serton, a devoted and beloved caregiver and to Accent Care Hospice.
For those wishing to honor Janet's memory, the family recommends memorials be made to the following charities: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Hope Village for Children or any local animal charity of your choice.
6300 MS 39, Meridian, MS 39305
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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