Janie Gartmond

Our family matriarch, Janie B. Gartmond (nee Brady), 88, has completed her remarkable journey, passing away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Tucker, Georgia. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janie was born on February 26, 1936 in Dothan, Alabama to Walter and Marion (nee Tharps) Brady. Growing up in Dothan in a family of sharecroppers, she and her older brother James Earl helped their parents bring in the crops before and after school each day and in the summer. The family moved to Newark, New Jersey in the early 1950s and it was there that she married James W. Gartmond, also from Dothan and a friend of the family, in May 1954. They established residency in Newark before relocating to East Orange in the early 1960s. Their first child, James, Jr., was born in June 1955, soon to be followed by Harold in May 1956, and Anthony in May 1957.

Their home was a festive place, filled with music and lavish cocktail parties. Their friends and family arrived donning furs, fancy dresses, jewelry, and suits. Janie was the classiest of all with her trademark pearls draped around her neck. Their sons would greet the guests and welcome them into the home before retreating to their room for the evening, but only after sampling the hors d'oeuvres (pigs in a blanket, pizza rolls, deviled eggs, and shrimp). The same crowd would often attend concerts together to see the popular artists of the day like Ray Charles, Jerry Butler, Sammy Davis, and The Platters. Christmases were especially joyful and rang with carols from the likes of Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis. Janie would make an elaborate dinner and bake an assortment of cakes to celebrate the holidays.

Following her mother's lead, Janie took up work as a tailor. She first worked at a dry cleaning shop, then ventured out on her own, building a lucrative business with an exclusive clientele. She sewed clothing for herself and her children and even returned to school to hone her tailoring skills.

After raising her sons, and after she and James divorced, Janie went back to school. She obtained her high school diploma, then enrolled at Rutgers University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She went on to teach for several years in the Newark public school system where she touched many young lives and was recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and expertise. And, while in her 60s, she finally achieved her lifelong dream of buying the stately Victorian home in East Orange she had admired from afar for decades. She did it on her own. She painted the walls in vibrant colors and sewed her own drapes and furniture covers to make her house a warm and inviting home.

Janie always had a keen eye for fashion and décor and used it in her choice of clothing and jewelry and how she decorated her homes, drawing compliments from those in her presence. She celebrated just about every birthday, graduation, and any event a family member and friend had.

She retired from teaching in 2001 and devoted her time to managing her own home and her rental property which housed several families. In 2016, upon falling ill with dementia and depression, Janie went to live with her son Harold and his wife Pam in Atlanta, Georgia.

Janie lit up every room she entered, but family and friends were at the center of her life. She showered them with love and affection, but she was also witty, feisty and held everyone to a high standard. She was not above giving someone a stern talking to if the occasion called for it. Janie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication. She will forever be remembered for her love, compassion, sense of humor, feistiness, dignity, class, fighting spirit, and grace. Janie was a beacon of light as an example for others to follow. Her life touched so many, and she made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have their lives touched by her.

Janie B. Gartmond is survived by: her sons Harold Gartmond (and his wife Pamela), and Anthony Gartmond; her grandchildren Jason, Tyler, Tori, Justin, Sydney, Carmen, and Julian; and her great grandchildren Kayla, Cara, and Milo. She is predeceased by her father Walter, mother Marion, brother James Earl, and son James, Jr. She is also survived by countless other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

The Gartmond family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Liliane Milord, Janie's caregiver and friend, as well as Spring Riddle Foster and Shawnte Harris, who also provided loving care for Janie, and the staff at Briarwood Health and Rehabilitation for their love, support, and care during her final days. We also wish to express our appreciation for all acts of kindness extended to Janie during her life, and to us during this time of bereavement. Janie will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Rest in peace, Janie B. Your memory will forever be a blessing.

A celebration of Janie B. Gartmond's life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia, 30033, beginning at 1 pm, to be followed by a repast. Friends and family are invited to attend and share their memories of her.