Janet Frances Whitaker

Janet Frances Whitaker passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on April 23, 1941, she was the first of three children born to the late John and Zelma Mae Alexander Vaught, in Somerset, Kentucky. She is preceded in death by two daughters Angela F. Whitaker Revis (Wendell), April Leigh Whitaker (Chris); and her sister Linda Joyce Hart (Gary).

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard Dale Whitaker; her daughter, Jennifer A. Whitaker Mosely (Jeff); grandchildren, Madison L. Mosely (Rust), David A. Mosely, Skyler N. Revis (Grace), Lola S. Revis; three great-grandchildren, Shepard, Evie, and Calvin Revis; and brother, John Maurice Vaught. She also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Janet was devoted to her faith and family. She grew up going to Nelson Valley Baptist Church and graduated in 1961 from Shopville High School. She married Richard D. Whitaker on September 3, 1961, and moved to Indiana. There, they welcomed Angela in 1962 and Jennifer in 1963. In 1970, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida where their third daughter, April, was born in 1974.

Janet invested herself with church activities and time well spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was the light to all four grandchildren who loved their grandmother to no end. Many occasions centered on the excellent family dinners she cooked, and she was always there to help with anything they needed. She adored each of them and was sure to show up for soccer and baseball games, piano and dance recitals. She always came through for them.

Janet worked many years as the accountant for Knightrider Trucking and was supportive of her husband Richard’s career hauling cars across the country. She could do and fix just about anything and took pride of place regarding her home. She loved so many things: music, especially hymns, antiques, the beach, the TPC, and traveling around the country.

Janet’s faith in Jesus kept her spirit going and she believed that the Lord had given her the best in life with her family. She was nurturing and guiding each of her children and grandchildren to share in that same faith.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM with the service starting at 11 AM. Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home will lead the funeral procession to Jacksonville Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Mandarin Baptist Church.