Janet Orpha Lincoln

Janet Orpha (Knopf) Lincoln, aged 90, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on August 29, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To many, she was simply the sweetest woman they had ever known. Her gentle nature, kind smile and easy laugh were evident to all. But she also showed an amazing resilience and strength that inspired those around her, especially in her last years as she persevered through numerous health challenges and setbacks.

The youngest child of Roy and Mabel Knopf, Jan was born on August 4, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her father’s jobs as a dairy manager led the family to reside at some very unusual places including Colony Farm, where patients from the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital came to live and work on the farm, and Starr Commonwealth in Albion, Michigan, a home for troubled youth. From 5th – 12th grade, Jan and her family lived at the Monroe County Farm, an institution that provided a home and care for indigent residents, where Roy was the manager of farming operations. It was certainly an extraordinary setting for a young girl to grow up in, and Jan had plenty of stories to tell about her experiences and the colorful cast of residents!

Jan attended kindergarten at the historic Papermill School, a one-room brick country schoolhouse in Monroe, Michigan, which was heated with a wood-burning stove and had no indoor plumbing. She loved rolling down the hills near her home, playing Red Rover and Kick the Can. She especially treasured playing in the treehouse with her older siblings, Stan and Lois, and the camping trips she took with her family. Her two most beloved presents were her Shirley Temple doll, which she carried everywhere she went, and a radio she received on her 10th birthday. To those who know how sentimental she is, it’s no surprise she kept both of these in her possession.

Coming from a musical family going back several generations, Jan learned to play the piano and showed a talent for singing at a young age. When she was only 4 years old, she was asked to sing at a local church event at a time when America was on the brink of WWII. Donning a patriotic costume resembling the American flag, she sang a memorable and moving rendition of “God Bless America” that touched the hearts of all those in attendance. As her mother loved to share, ”there was not a dry eye in the place.”

Jan graduated from Monroe High School in 1953, where her favorite activity was cheerleading. She never lost her touch and would gladly perform her M-O-N-R-O-E cheer on demand for her entire life. Her second favorite activity may have been sneaking up on the County Farm roof to sunbathe. She was a talented seamstress, winning the 4H Dress Review competition, and active in youth group. The scary basement of the County Farm had once been a jail, and was the perfect place for Jan to host the youth group’s annual haunted house!

She headed to Michigan State University, where she was vice president of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and met the love of her life, Jim Lincoln, on a blind date. Besides her beauty and charm, he was impressed that such a nice girl could yell so loud at MSU football games! She was voted “Sweetheart” of his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, and they married on July 14, 1957, shortly after she graduated with a degree in Childhood Development and Teaching. They enjoyed 68 years together, renewing their vows at a special 50th anniversary party, and celebrated again for their 65th. They have an adorable love story, and if you want to know more, just ask Jim, it’s his favorite story to tell.

Jan began her teaching career at Gundry Elementary School in Flint, Michigan, where she taught first grade for one year before pausing to be a stay-at-home mom for Kay, Steve, and Karen. Her greatest passion and joy was being a mother, and she poured herself into creating a loving and nurturing home environment. She made an effort to always make things special, whether it was decorating for holidays [no less than 20 boxes of Christmas décor!], or creating magic birthday cakes. She was a constant source of support and encouragement, and celebrated every success with her children. She never missed a concert or recital, or important event of any kind. She passed on her deep love of music to her children, who each sang and played an instrument. The home was full of laughter, and the family truly enjoyed spending time together, whether it was a cross-county road trip, church family camp or just sitting around the dining table at meals. She was a doting grandmother to Cody, whom she adored and loved to spend time with. When Karen got married, Jan embraced her step-sons, Linus and Byron, into the family.

Jan returned to teaching full time in 1975 in the Holt Public Schools system, mostly teaching 2nd grade. She was a devoted teacher who spent many after school hours creating imaginative décor for her classroom and engaging lessons for her students. After retiring in 1997, she got much fulfillment from helping to homeschool Cody for several years.

Jan’s favorite place was the beloved log cabin her father built on Lake Louise in northern Michigan in 1947. She never missed a summer, and enjoyed wonderful family times roasting marshmallows, laying on the raft in the sun, playing the old pump organ while the family sang, and taking walks looking for the prettiest fall leaves to save.

Jan was an enthusiastic and lifelong MSU fan, and she and Jim enjoyed tailgating and attending football and basketball games during their 45 years as season ticket holders. She loved the annual girls weekends with her daughters, attending tea parties, extended family gatherings where she’d bring her legendary Texas Brownie Sheet Cake, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, shopping [she was known for being a sharp dresser!], home decorating, lunches with friends, and her Book and Knitting Clubs.

Jan was a woman of deep faith, and gave her life to Christ when she was ten years old. Wherever she lived, church was always at the center of her and her family’s lives, and a majority of her friendships blossomed there; United Brethren Church in Flint, MI, Pontiac Methodist Church, Okemos Community Church, and most recently at Trinity Church in Lansing. She frequently sang in the choir, participated in bible studies and small groups, and volunteered for organizations including MOPS [Mothers of Preschoolers].

In 2020, Jan and Jim moved to the Village of Heather Hills, a senior community in Grand Rapids, MI, to be closer to their daughter, Karen. While it was difficult to leave the Okemos/East Lansing area after 42 years, she gamely embraced her new life. It is no surprise she made friends quickly, and was absolutely adored by residents and staff. She was active in choir, bible study, knitting club and attended music programs and lectures. Her favorite don’t-miss activity was Bingo, and winning cards were stealthily stored in her walker at all times.

She is survived by her loving husband, James of Grand Rapids, MI; daughter Kay (Rick) McLaughlin of St. Johns, MI, son Stephen (Tammy) Lincoln of Hudsonville, MI, daughter Karen (Scott) Coy of Grand Rapids, MI; her grandchildren Cody Lincoln [and his mother, Alisa Lincoln] of Kalamazoo, MI, Linus Coy of Chicago, IL, and Byron Coy of Denver, CO; and by many other dear and loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished lifelong friends. Jan was preceded in death by her brother, Stanley [Dorothy] Knopf of Marlette, MI, and sister, Lois [ James] Davis of South Haven, MI.

The family will receive visitors at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing, Michigan on Friday, September 5 from 4-7 pm, and Saturday, September 6 at from 11-11:45 am. A Celebration of Life Service will follow on Saturday, September 6 at 12 pm, with a luncheon afterward. [Note: a handicapped entrance is available on the west side of the building.] A private interment will be held at Forest Home Cemetery in Greenville, Michigan.