Janet Wood Winfrey

Janet A. Wood Winfrey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away on September 19, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Her family looks forward someday to great reunion with her in Paradise.

Her life was one of compassion, devotion, and a kindness that touched everyone she met. Janet was the daughter of the late Donald Gene and Anna Wood. Janet is survived by her husband, John Winfrey with whom she was married 51 years and her son Christopher Winfrey (Yeny), and daughter Katherine Winfrey Mathe (Ken) and her grandchildren Camila Winfrey, Marcos Winfrey, Dylan Mathe, and Brayden Mathe as well as her sister Joyce Elmore, and brother Mark Wood.

Her older brother Dr. Donald Wood as well as her other son David preceded her in death.

Born and raised on Old Shepherdsville Road in Louisville, Kentucky, Janet was the next-to-youngest of four children, each born just a year apart. She cherished her childhood, especially the moments spent with her father—whose hat she proudly wore when he returned home from work, as well as her mother Anna—and with her grandparents, Boppa and Nana, whom she adored. She attended a Baptist church and grew up with a strong sense of faith and family. Even as a very young girl, Janet dreamed of becoming a nurse. She pursued that calling and graduated from the Baptist School of Nursing in 1973. She went on to serve as a ICU/CCU nurse at Methodist Hospital in Louisville, where her patients benefited from her skill, gentleness, and dedication.

Janet’s life changed forever on July 7, 1974, the day she met the love of her life. She married John on December 14 of that same year, beginning a partnership filled with love, devotion and joy. Together they welcomed three children in quick succession—Christopher, David, and Katherine—whom Janet raised with unwavering love, energy, and grace.

As the family moved to Florida, Georgia, and then Alabama, Janet continued her nursing career, working part-time as a surgery nurse in Winter Park (Fl), Atlanta, and Tuscaloosa. She balanced her professional life with tireless commitment at home, seldom resting before late in the evening and always putting her family first. She was a meticulous homemaker, a steady source of comfort, and the heart of her family.

Janet’s compassion extended far beyond her family. While living in Atlanta, she became a Stephen Minister, offering one-on-one care and support to those in need. In Tuscaloosa, she helped establish the Stephen Ministry program at her church. Upon returning to Atlanta, she served as a Care Minister at North Point Community Church and Woodstock City Church, where she worked faithfully until Alzheimer’s disease made it impossible for her to continue.

One of her greatest joys came with the arrival of her four grandchildren. As “Nana,” she poured her heart into each of them, celebrating their births with delight and loving every moment she spent caring for them. Janet also loved to travel, exploring France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the British Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and the American West. Whether abroad or at home, she embraced life with warmth, love, and gratitude.

Those who knew Janet will remember her for her beautiful smile, her gentle spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel loved. She never met a stranger and never made an enemy. Her kindness was effortless, her love unconditional, and her presence a gift.

Janet leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2:00p, Arch L. Heady Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Rd Louisville, KY. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1p until 2p.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Research Bright Focus Foundation.