Janet Doris Harvey

Janet Doris (Galling) Wallis Harvey, age 87, peacefully passed away on June 12, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. Janet was born in Mineola, New York on May 9, 1938, to Frederick and Elsa Pfeuffer Galling, the oldest of three children. She grew up in New Jersey and eventually married her childhood friend, John David “Jack” Wallis. Together they raised two sons, Dave & Jay, in Hollywood, Florida and shared 33 years together until Jack passed away in 1993.

Known for her strong and independent personality, Janet worked throughout her life, including at Jersey Central Power & Light, as a homemaker, in the Wallis-Baer business, and in an elementary school. She also traveled across the United States and the world, remarking that the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park showcased “some of God’s most magnificent creations.”

While, in her words, “she had no interest in getting married again”, William “Bill” Harvey found his way into her life in the summer of 1997. After a long-distance relationship consisting of letters and phone calls, they got married in October 1998 in Maine surrounded by their family and friends. Janet and Bill spent nearly ten years together, spending summers in Maine and winters in Florida, until Bill passed away in 2009.

After living in Florida for several years, Janet moved to Houston, Texas in 2010 to be near her son Dave and his family. There she was an active member of Kingwood Christian Church and spent a great many hours serving that community. She was also an avid reader; a fierce gin rummy and Rummikub player; a dedicated volunteer at Meals on Wheels and at the Harris County Public Library; a terrific baker (people loved her desserts!); and supportive friend to many. However, the role she cherished most in her later years was that of being an active and present grandmother, celebrating “each grandchild finding their gifts to share in the world.” In 2024, Janet moved to Fort Worth alongside Dave and Rhonda, where she lived until her passing.

In a series of reflections she wrote in 2023, Janet shared that she “felt so blessed to see the persons her sons have become” and to see how her grandchildren are “growing into their lives and futures.” She also shared the following: “I can’t end this without saying that I’m proud of myself too. Looking back over some major challenges in my life, I’ve stuck with it… I can’t take credit for my strengths, that is totally from God.”

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Harvey; her first husband, John David “Jack” Wallis; and her parents, Frederick & Elsa Galling.

She is survived by her children, Dave (Rhonda) Wallis and Jay (Julie) Wallis; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandson; her siblings, Gail DiBiaso and Richard (Judy) Galling; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be celebrated on July 27th at Kingwood Christian Church in Kingwood, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janet can be made to Meals on Wheels in your local community.