Janis Lynette Grace Strength

1934 – 2014

Janis Strength passed away peacefully at home in Gulf Breeze on January 14, 2014 due to complications from a fall. Janis was the youngest of three girls. She grew up in Ozark, Alabama, with her parents, Jim and Belle Grace, and was reared in a neighborhood near many aunts, uncles and cousins. Janis attended Dale County High School in Ozark, AL; Birmingham-Southern College, and graduated from Auburn University (Auburn, AL) and Washington University (St. Louis) with Master’s Degrees in Science Education.

Janis and her husband, Robert (Bob) Strength, lived in Gulf Breeze, FL, Greenwood, S.C. and St. Louis, MO before returning to Gulf Breeze to retire. Janis worked for Gulf Power as a Home Economist and for the public school systems as a teacher of Home Economics and later Science Departments, winning several awards for Outstanding Teacher and Leader.

Janis spent much of her adult life lovingly caring for others, including her sons, her parents, her husband and a number of close friends requiring special care. She was a devoted caregiver, always putting others above her own needs. She was especially supportive of the various agencies involved in the care of children.

Janis and Bob enjoyed golfing together and extensive travel. Both were founding members of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church and actively participated in the many ministries. Janis was involved in the United Methodist Women, Bible studies and Sunday School.

She was a member of the Santa Rosa Woman’s Club and always held her fellow members close to her heart.

Janis was passionate about gardening, cooking, swimming and caring for her pets. She supported her Auburn Tigers and was an avid football fan.

Janis was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; twin sons, Steven and David; son, Jimmy; parents, Jim and Belle and sister, Roxie Grace Lancaster.

Janis is survived by her son, Stewart Sr. and wife, Lori; grandsons, Stewart Jr., Robert and Steven; great grandson, Orin; sister, Anne Grace Hildreth; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m., Sunday January 19, 2014 at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church followed at 3:00 p.m. by the memorial service celebrating her life with the Reverends Ruth Knights and Gerald Mundy.

Viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2014 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with interment to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Bayview Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the prayers, cards and visits during the past several weeks.

In lieu of flowers Janis would love donations made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.