Janet Mable Raye Dugger

Janet Mable Raye Dugger, 75, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 12, 2026. She was born on April 19, 1951, in Colfax, Iowa. Affectionately known as “Janet from Another Planet,” Janet was truly a force to be reckoned with. She was strong-willed, determined, and always gave her best. When Janet set her mind to something, there was little doubt she would accomplish exactly what she set out to do. Those who knew her also knew it was wise to stay on her good side.

Janet was strong, independent, and determined, but she also had a heart for people who needed someone in their corner. She spent much of her career helping others build better lives and advocating for oppressed people. She worked in Cherokee Nation Career Services and held many roles throughout the years, including career counselor, behavioral health rehabilitation specialist, Qualified Mental Health Professional, teacher, and direct manager. Her work took her to People’s, Inc., Job Corps, boys’ and girls’ homes, and the Cherokee Nation Healing to Wellness Court, where she worked with youth. She also volunteered at Taft–Jess Dunn Correctional Center. Janet was not afraid of difficult work or difficult people. In fact, she had a particular talent for both. She believed people deserved another chance, honest guidance, and someone willing to tell them what they needed to hear.

Janet attended Jones Academy and later Bacone College, where she studied silversmithing. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University–Southwest Texas, and her master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Janet enjoyed writing and expressing herself creatively, but she also knew how to have a good time. She especially loved attending Blues on the Move in Rentiesville and spending time at the Over 40s Club in Muskogee. Whether she was helping someone through a difficult season, speaking her mind, or enjoying the music, Janet was always unapologetically herself and impossible to forget.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Jimasina Jananthy Kayla Neva Marie Lemon-Kilpatrick and husband Shane of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her granddaughter, Kiiyana Elizebeth Merle Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her daughter, Angelic Roberts of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; her sons, Reginald Euresti of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Josh Lemon of Martinsville, Virginia; her daughter, Amber Lea Hall of Austin, Texas; her best friend and godmother to her children, Rosie Menchaca; her devoted caretaker and friend, Dedi; her sisters, Rebecca “Anne” Hayes of Gore, Oklahoma, and Joan Lee Smith of Vian, Oklahoma; and her brothers, Don Raymond Dugger of Gore, Oklahoma, Earl Dean Hules Dugger of Boise, Louisiana, Richard Lyndon “Dick” Dugger of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Gerald Francis “Jerry” Dugger of Checotah, Oklahoma, Stanley Lee Ross Jr. “Bud” of Vian, Oklahoma, Johnny Lee Ross of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Scottie Dugger and Jimmy Dugger, both of Alma, Arkansas, and a host of beloved family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, James Olen “Jimbo” Coward-Milligan; her mother, Neva Ross; her father, Stanley Ross; her sister, MaryAnne Dugger; and her brothers, Stephen McClurg, Robert McClurg, Timothy Byrd Dugger, Floyd “Bo” Dugger, Todd Dugger, Bill Ross, Donnie Ross, and Michael Dugger.