Janet Vick

Born in 1933, to Leon and Anna (Robinson) Washburn in Philadelphia, NY, she was the youngest of ten surviving children. Because of her academic achievements, she graduated high school at 16 years old, and was a majorette in the marching band.

Living at home, she worked for two years in the local grocery store. In 1951, she attended a USO event with a girlfriend, where she met a young National Guard Reservist, Charles E. Vick. They were married six months later. She bore two daughters, Carolyn and Cheryl. She worked in various jobs throughout their marriage, helping to support the family while Charles pursued his education.

At the age of 35, she decided to pursue her own education. After two years at Jefferson Community College and two years at Oswego State College, she was awarded a bachelor’s degree in primary school education. She was hired as a first-grade teacher at Black River Elementary School, where she taught until her retirement.

She continued to support Charles in his business venture in Number Four, which became their permanent home until retiring to Athens, TN

After almost 60 years of marriage, Charles passed away in 2011. The following year, she moved to West Tennessee to live near her younger daughter, Cheryl, and her husband Jody. Here she became an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rutherford.

She was an amazing woman, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, cousin, teacher, friend and colleague. She enjoyed family gatherings, traveling, dancing, reading, and good food, celebrating life in every way possible. Janet was also a strong woman, with a mind of her own. If you asked her opinion, you needed to be prepared for an answer you may never have expected.

She is survived by two sisters, Jane and Frieda; two daughters and son-in-law, Carolyn Vick and Aad Zeeuw, and Cheryl & Jody Shampine; two granddaughters, Rachel Weiss-Roberts, Michelle Baxter; two great-granddaughters, Adrianna and Breanna Satton; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

She has left us better people to have been in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or your local Hospice Organization.

Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Janet (Washburn) Vick.