Janet Lance Abernathy

Janet Lance Abernathy, 60, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 21, 1963, to the late McRae and Ruby Lance. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Gail Lance Stokes.

Janet Abernathy was one special person. Her smile was brighter than the stars, and her laugh was so contagious. She lived in Calhoun her entire life, and loved living in a small town. She was a people person and loved to be friends with everyone. Janet fell in love with piano at a very young age. Her music was her passion. She started teaching piano at the age of 14. She loved to play for the church. That was her favorite place to be every Sunday. From teaching preschoolers to adults, throughout her life, she loved every one of her piano students dearly. She grew up playing in the band for Red Bud High School. She loved playing the clarinet. Janet was always known for her style, truly one of a kind. She loved bright colors and always had on the best perfume. Oh, and you can’t forget her pretty nails. You heard them on a keyboard from a mile away. It was like her trademark, you could say. Her favorite place to be was the beach. She loved to vacation. She loved her family with all of her heart. Especially her husband Byron, and her daughter Brooklin. They were her world. She was the best mother, and the best wife. She was the best at everything. Everyone loved her so much. Janet had a really hard journey for 3 years. She faced many battles and fought harder than anyone could imagine. She was so strong, and she never gave up. Even when she felt so sick, she still kept going. She continued teaching piano with a smile on her face because her love for music and her students was so strong. She always said teaching uplifted her through all of the hard times. Janet was the kind of person you never forget. She was such a light in this world. She will forever be missed by so many, but until we meet her again, may she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. Hallelujah, her pain is gone! She is healed! 

Janet is survived by her husband, Byron Abernathy; daughter, Brooklin Danielle Abernathy; bonus daughter, Kerrie Lee Bailey; sister, Melba Lance Sisson (Kenneth); special nieces and nephews, Anita Rhoden (Edward), Jill Hegwood (Terry), Kelly Stansell, Rodney Stokes (Shea); special great-nieces and great-nephews, Tiffany Hill (Zach), Brandon Blalock (Brandy), Patrick Cannon (Ashley), Collin Stoner (Chris), Grant Hegwood (Skylar), Mia Stokes, Sophia Stokes; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Evelyn Mae Hill, Allison Cannon; special aunts and uncles, Carolyn Sloan, Leona Pankey, Faye Lance, and Franklin Lance.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 5, 2024, and Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. 

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM from Moss Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Clark, Rev. Greg Williams, and Rev. Earl Abernathy officiating. Music will be arranged by Terry Woody, Tyler Reynolds, Shane and Eva McDougle, Kyle Abernathy and family, and Brynlee Duffy. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery with Rev. TJ Burchette officiating. Pallbearers are Collin Stoner, Rodney Stokes, Tommy Sloan, Larry England, Kevin Abernathy, Todd Abernathy, Chris Stoner, and Edward Rhoden. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Blalock, Grant Hegwood, Terry Hegwood, Ralph Stokes, Patrick Cannon, Franklin Lance, Kenneth Sisson, Seth Abernathy, Hud Abernathy, Zach Hill, and Stanley Woody.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Janet Lance Abernathy.