Janis Johnston Corley

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 3rd, 1926, she was the only child of McKinley and Edith Johnston. Janis attended Huntington College and then graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Art and English. She would use her artistic skills for the rest of her life. She married Eugene Dowe Carder in 1946 and soon after made their way to Birmingham, where she was a loving mother to their three children.

As an artist, she painted her family with love and the colors of her life. Affectionately known as Gran by all, she loved family first, and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a cherished friend. Janis continued to be an avid and devoted Auburn fan throughout her life. Active for many years in Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church, she was also involved in the Methodist Women’s Circle.

Hobbies included bridge, painting, drawing, and reading. A good Agatha Christie mystery was a favorite and the love of reading became a model for her children. Her paintings were her legacy, whether lovely portraits of her grandchildren, or regional landscapes. The Cahaba Lilies were beloved by her and captured on canvas, paper and in her heart.

Special highlights she cherished were the annual Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville, TN with her second husband, Jim Corley. Time spent on their farm was a gift they enjoyed together.

Janis was pre-deceased by her parents, her first child, Clint McKinley Carder, Eugene Dow Carder Sr., Jim Stewart Corley Sr. and two beloved grand dogs, Gibson and Marley.

She is survived by her children, Eugene Dow Carder, Jr. (Bette) Jeffrey Keith Carder (Colleen), and April Ann Carder: also, her grandchildren, Adam Gregory Carder (Nikki), Elizabeth Claire Carder, McKinley Hoban Carder (Ashton) and great grandchildren Jonah, Lula, and Audrey.

A private celebration of life service will be held at a future date when the Cahaba Lilies are blooming.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Birmingham Museum of Art, Studio by the Tracks, March of Dimes, or the Palliative and Comfort Care (PCC) department at UAB are all in keeping with her fine and gentle spirit.

The Family wishes to thank the PCC staff at UAB for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during her journey.