Janis Self Couch

Janis Self Couch, age 68, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Janis was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 18, 1954, to Mary Belle Weaver Self and William Nolan Self, Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Buddy Childers Couch. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham. Janis is survived by her brothers, William Nolan Self (Patsy) of Hoover and Roland Weaver Self (Marquita) of Mountain Brook. She is also survived by her niece, Meredith Self Brown (Phillip) of Hoover and her nephew, Roland Self, Jr. (Jamie) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Janis is survived by her great-niece, Sophie Self of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and her great-nephews, Cameron Brown and Ethan Brown of Hoover.

Janis had many interests throughout her life. She enjoyed listening to music and attending musical performances. She also loved traveling abroad, family vacations, scuba diving and playing piano. Growing and photographing her beautiful, exotic orchids, birds of paradise, and other unique plants was her favorite hobby. She was a long-time member of the Alabama Orchid Society. Many who knew and loved Janis often affectionately referred to her as “Orkid Jan.”

Janis demonstrated special interests in music and elementary education at an early age. While in elementary school, she looked forward to her after-school dance lessons and piano lessons. After graduating from Ramsay High School in 1972, she attended the University of Montevallo and studied music. She later, earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. She went on to graduate school at the University of Alabama and received a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. Janis spent 26 years as a dedicated teacher in Birmingham City Schools. She taught elementary education and operated a computer lab for teaching specialized reading and computer science. Janis’s compassion for others and love of teaching touched many lives.

Janis loved her family and friends with all her heart. She was happiest when hosting a gathering of family and friends to celebrate a holiday, a birthday or a special event. Despite years of health struggles, she continued to uplift, inspire and encourage those around her. She was the epitome of grace and kindness. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Johns-Ridout's Southside Chapel on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in c/o the Alabama Orchid Society, 2612 Lane Park Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35223. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at the www.johnsridouts.com.