Janis Sydelle Watkins-Wagner

Janis Sydelle Watkins-Wagner, age 71, of Turnersville, NJ, formerly of Franklinville, passed on October 23, 2025, peacefully, on that beautiful autumn evening, surrounded by her loved ones singing to her.

A devoted Jehovah's Witness since 1993, Janis remained steadfast in her faith, throughout her life, to her end of days. She had a deep love of nature, enjoyed good food, jig saw puzzles, rock and roll, laughing with family, and loving on her grandboys. In earlier years, you could find her on the open road, traveling from mountains to countryside and everything in between. She loved hard and lived just as. Janis was also a talented and awarded poet.

Dear daughter of the late William and Fannie Watkins. Devoted mother of Heather Faye Watkins-Wagner (Joe Murphy) and Melissa "Missy" Hope Watkins-Wagner. Treasured "Gammy" of Connor Wagner and Chase Murphy. Loving sister of Joyce Evans (James "Jim Bob" Evans), Deanna Wondo, the late Mary Lou Scherer, the late Gloria Syrigo, the late Douglas Watkins and the late Wendy Betz. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.

The family would like to share a poem that Janis wrote in October of 1982 that brings solace to them; may it bring peace to all those that held her dear.

OCTOBER FALLS

An Autumn afternoon, sunshine and serene

Brisk warmth, watching falling leaves.

The tunes you gave to me

Were appreciated gratefully.

Ah, yes, another apple on the tree.

Sheep(baah), cows, and ducks were there

Free from things austere,

Away from wear and tear.

Windy leaves, singing trees,

Numbness with the breeze --

An uncontrollable ease.

Pink dusk skies,

Wondering why

Moments like these,

Don't last eternally?

An Autumn evening, luminous and free

Feeling good with Harmony.

Sometimes caught in societies –

Yet feeling fine as we find our sleep.

Ah, yes, another apple on the tree

As October Falls.

Friends and family are invited to join us for Janis' Celebration Of Life (details to come) where we encourage acquaintances, friends, & loved ones to read a poem of hers, of your own, favorite Bible verse, song lyrics, or just sit with us and share fond memories. In lieu of flowers, we are inviting friends and family to hug your loved ones. Spend that quality time with them. Share good food, sit, be present, laugh & love on one another.