Janie Venable

Life Reflections

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

II Timothy 4: 6-7

Janie M. Venable peacefully transitioned from this life on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Milton, Massachusetts. She was born on January 21, 1939, in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, to the late James Boykin and Nancy Shaw Boykin.

At an early age, Janie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Salters, South Carolina. She received her formal education in the Williamsburg County School System.

In the early 1960s, Janie relocated from South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she continued her education in nursing, focusing on maternity and nursery care at Preston Maternity Hospital. The hospital was later recognized for its role in the evolution of 19th-century obstetrical practice and eventually affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

It was in Philadelphia that Janie met the late James E. Venable, and the two were later joined in holy matrimony. They frequently enjoyed date nights at the historic Philadelphia Uptown Theater, attending performances by artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, and Redd Foxx, to name a few. The fun-loving couple regularly enjoyed front-row seats as a result of a friendship established with the house band leader. These amazing date nights formed the foundation of their union. From this, they were blessed with two girls and two boys: Rochelle, James Jr., Howard, and Theresa.

In the mid-1960s, Janie moved from Philadelphia to Massachusetts to establish new beginnings with her husband. She was first employed at Stride Rite Shoes as a fancy stitcher, but her true passion was caring for others-particularly in the areas of mental health, aging, and elder care. She later joined the Highland Nursing Home as a nurse's aide and worked her way up to Director's Aide. She subsequently became Director of the Ellen James Rest Home.

Over the course of her 24-year career, Janie demonstrated deep compassion, unwavering dedication, and a profound sense of purpose in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. She loved every patient she served, and they loved her in return.

Janie was a devoted and longtime member of Queen Esther Chapter #9 under the jurisdiction of John G. Jones Grand Chapter, Inc., Order of the Eastern Star, where she served faithfully for more than 40 years. She later transferred her membership to Naomi Chapter #140, O.E.S. She was also affiliated with several additional houses, including Rehab Court #56 (Heroines of Jericho), Martha Exum Council #2, Lady Knight Templar, Isadora Court #2 (Daughters of the Sphinx), Katherine E. Pickens, and Royal House of the Temple. Janie held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Treasurer for four houses simultaneously, and volunteered as a security officer for the Carver Den.

In addition to her parents, Janie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Venable; her sisters, Magdalena McClam, Mary Virginia Page, and Wilhelmina Whitfield; her brother, Joe Nell Boykin; her mother-in-law, Susie Smith-Venable; her brothers-in-law, David Venable, Henry Smith, and Abraham Roberts; and her sisters-in-law, Emma Roberts and Ruth Boykin.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her four children: Rochelle (Moses) Brunson Jenkins of Summerville, SC; James (Joanne) E. Venable, Jr. of Denver, CO; Howard (Kim) B. Venable of Boston, MA; and Theresa (Sterling) L. Venable McCormick of Holbrook, MA. She is also survived by her devoted brothers, Bennie (Normandine) Boykin of Greeleyville, SC, and Bobby Boykin of Salters, SC, and her devoted sister-in-law, Mae Belle Boykin of Greeleyville, SC.

Also cherishing her memory are her grandchildren and great-grandchild, who lovingly called her "Nana": Michael James Brunson, Chandler James Venable, Osiris Sterling McCormick, Celia Rose Venable, Margot Olivia Venable, and Jaxson KC James Brunson.

Janie is further remembered and loved by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends across many states.