Janet McGavin Ashley passed away peacefully on May 21st, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 18, 1941, in Walton-on-Thames, England, Janet was the beloved daughter of Philip and Blanche McGavin.
In 1962, she moved to Florida to work as a nanny, where she met and married the love of her life, E. Lyle Ashley. Together, they began their family in 1966 and built a life full of love and lasting memories. Janet dedicated her life to caring for others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was the heart of her family and always placed their needs before her own. She served faithfully as an elder of Faith Presbyterian Church in Pasadena and was a member of the Presbyterian Day School board in Conroe, giving her time generously to her church and community.
She was known by many, not just her grandchildren, as “Jan Jan.” Her warm spirit, open heart, and welcoming presence left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Janet never knew a stranger, and her kindness and acceptance touched countless lives. She lived her life with a positive spirit and unwavering faith, always treating others with respect and grace. The Ashley family extends their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers who lovingly supported Janet over the past decade. Your compassion and presence brought comfort to her final years—words cannot fully express how thankful we are.
Janet is survived by her children, Billie Gorrell (Dennis), Jack Ashley (Bethany), Heather Nelson (Karl); grandchildren, Sarah Colston (Joel), Alex Ashley (Karina), Jack Ashley (Chelsey), Madeline Parsons (Montana), Gavin Nelson, Ava Nelson, Grant Nelson, Campbell Ashley, Cooper Ashley, and Finley Ashley; great-grandchildren, Carter Colston, Charlee Colston, Amelia Ashley, Liliana Ashley, Leo Alejos, and Grae Parsons; nieces and nephews, Elise Eaton, Kimberly Kanetzky, special caretaker and niece Mila Pace, Jack Pace, James Ashley, Andrew McGavin, and Ian McGavin; as well as cousins, Alison and Colin Williams.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband, E. Lyle Ashley; parents, Philip and Blanche McGavin; brother, Dennis McGavin; daughter-in-law, Leanne Ashley; sisters-in-law, Jackie Pace and Glenda Ashley; brothers-in-law, W.T. Ashley and Jerry Pace; nephew, Simon McGavin; and her lifelong best friend, Georgina Page.
Her kindness knew no bounds, her faith never wavered, and her love will live on through all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or First Presbyterian Church of Conroe.
A visitation for Janet will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2727 N Loop 336 W, Conroe, TX 77304.
