Janet Layne Haviland, 54, of Joplin, passed away on October 28, 2023 at her daughters home in St. Joseph after winning her three-year battle with cancer and joining her creator, parents, and other loved ones passed, in celebration that she is now free and singing in the heavenly choir. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed, and in pure Janet, style left when she was ready.
Janet was born on January 7th, 1959 to Kenneth and Wanda Reynolds in Carthage, MO, and lived most of her life in southwest Missouri until her move to St. Joseph, MO in 2020. Janet is survived by two daughters, Candace Conklin, Shanna Helm, a son-in-law, Brent Helm, whom she claimed as her own, 3 grandchildren, Ted Conklin, Madison, and Abhrum Helm, a step-grandson, Cody, and one great-grandson, Weston Taylor. She is also survived by her three siblings, Linda Erskin, Bill Reynolds, and Joanna Woods (George Woods,) along with all of their children.
Janet had two major loves in her life, Jesus and her family, and was never shy about sharing either of these things. She was first a Christian, and took great pride in bringing people to Christ. She shared this love with her daughters and grandchildren making sure that all around her knew His love and what He had done for her. Janet was a DJ for over 15 years, doing Karaoke, weddings and parties for all, and she took great pride in this. She could sing ‘Mustang Sally’ bringing everyone to the dance floor, and had the ability to charm anyone through her beautiful voice and love for music.
Her family and friends will miss her dearly as she was a pillar in their lives and they were blessed to belong to her. Her generous spirit, sense of humor, and stubbornness will live on through her grandkids, and she made sure they all knew how much she loved them and stalked them appropriately through Life360, as any grandma would, demanded they supply her in Sonic sweet teas, caramel macchiato's, and hugs. She taught all of them how to fight with dignity, strength, and not let bitterness into your hearts and used humor to get them through the last few months when her cancer battle increased.
Ms. Haviland has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home in St. Joseph.
There will be a ceremony to spread Janet’s ashes announced at a later date to family and friends who want to honor her memory sharing stories and celebrating her, the irony that she loved a good cemetery isn’t lost on us, but she had other plans in mind for herself.
