Janet Brooks Harrison

1966 - 2024

Janet Brooks Harrison

Mar 3, 1966 - Jul 3, 2024

Janet Harrison of Amherst, Virginia passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024, at the age of 58 after a long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. She was the loving wife of Thomas Randall Harrison for 38 years.

Born on March 3, 1966, in Lynchburg, Virginia, she was the youngest daughter of the late Helen Hans "Hansie" Geipel and the late Charles William "Bill" Brooks, Jr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her "favorite child", her beloved dog companion, Jack.

Jan grew up in Lynchburg and graduated from Heritage High School in 1984, where she was a tri-sport athlete excelling in softball, basketball, and volleyball. She continued her education at Lynchburg College, earning a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. She dedicated over 15 years to the field of science as a laboratory technician. Having retired in 2016, she spent her days traveling and enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Affectionately known as "Buffy", Jan was deeply devoted to her beautiful grandchildren. She was a gardening enthusiast, painter, and a lover of the outdoors. She had a strong, spunky, bright personality with a sense of humor that could fill the room. When she was not enjoying her many hobbies, she enjoyed the company and laughter of her family, friends, and brew crew.

Jan is survived by her husband, Thomas; daughters, Kaitlin Harrison and her fiancé, Kevyn Gero, and Kylian Nijakowski and her husband, Ted; and granddaughters, Olivia and Cameron Nijakowski. She is also survived by her sister, Lynda Reckling and her husband, Jim; her brother, Chuck Brooks and his wife, Carole; her cousin, Diane Davis and her husband, Ronnie, and Doug Knowles and his wife, Matisa; as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Heritage Funeral Service at 427 Graves Mill Road. The family encourages guests to celebrate her life by wearing bright-colored clothes to the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Janet Harrison's memory.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff of the University of Virginia Medical Transplant Center, the UVA Cardiovascular and Thoracic ICU team, and the Centra Health Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team for their support and compassionate care during Jan's illness and recovery process.

Jan Harrison will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation:

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/JanetHarrison

Mailing Address: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 E Ohio Street Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heriatgefuneralandcremation.com.