Janet Burnett Wisdom

Born in Memphis, June 21, 1943, she leaves behind her loving husband of 55 years, and partner of 60 years, Dr. Randy Wisdom... six children; Tammy Van Cleve of Irving, TX (Craig), Jennifer Thompson of Melbourne, FL. (Partner Jeff Caden), Kristy Mc Peak of Joplin, MO (Eldon), Rand Wisdom of Siloam Springs, AR (Susie), Tiffany Tidswell, Cordova, TN, (Todd), Ryan Wisdom of Cordova... 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Billie Burnett of Memphis, TN, sister, Juli Gaither of Germantown, TN, brother, Randy Burnett, of Germantown, TN, and maternal aunt, Polly Arnold, of Memphis, TN. She was preceded in death by her father, Walton R. Burnett of Memphis, In Laws, Dr. And Mrs. Durwood Wisdom of Jonesboro, AR, and maternal aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Vernon May of Tyronza, AR.

Born in Memphis, "Jan" spent her early years in Northeast Arkansas surrounded by family who helped care for her when her biological father, Captain James Paul Prestidge, a fighter pilot, was shot down 6 weeks prior to her birth.

At the age of five, her mother found the perfect new daddy for her, and married Wally Burnett. A few years later she was excited to get a new baby sister, and eventually their family was complete with a baby brother.

When Jan was in 9th grade her family moved to Jonesboro. It was at this time that she met her future husband, Randy. The very sight of her when she entered algebra class took his breath away, and Randy says he immediately knew he was destined to marry her.

Randy and Jan Married December 22, 1961, and embarked on a life that involved finishing college at Arkansas State University, and getting through medical school at the University of Arkansas...all while having five babies.

Jan obtained her degree in Elementary Education and was also certified in the Montessori method of teaching. However, her greatest achievement was in being a homemaker and mother to her children. In addition to mentoring her own children and leading them all to have a personal relationship with Jesus, she has also been a source of love and strength to many kids who became "adopted" by her. It is in her death that her family has realized the actual extent of this impact.

Jan had a special love for children. One of her great granddaughters stated, "Grammy is like a special angel for children". It was this heart for children that led her to become a foster mother with Catholic Social Services in Montana, and take in numerous infants. During this season of her life she and her family came in contact with and fell in love with the sixth Wisdom baby, Ryan, and their family was complete.

As an officer in the USAF, Randy was stationed at various assignments both nationally and internationally, and Jan lovingly followed along. Once retired from the military, they landed back in Memphis...close to where their love story began.

To say that she will be missed by her family is an understatement, but they rejoice in the knowledge that she is now at perfect peace with Jesus and is basking in the glow of His love. She is also fellowshipping with both of her Daddies, and the other loved ones gone before her.

Jan had a great love for the men and women who serve and protect this country. In lieu of flowers, she would much appreciate a small donation be made in her name, Janet Wisdom, to either the garysinisefoundation.org, or, the woundedwarriorproject.org.

She will be interned at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.