Ms. Janet Romeo

Janet was born August 29, 1932 in Winding Gulf; she was a daughter of the late Alva Curtis Bays and the late Eula Hazel Burnett Bays.

Janet grew up in West Virginia but moved to Michigan in the early 1950s after meeting her late husband Joe at the MacArthur Skating Rink. Janet and Joe lived in Michigan for many years, raising their two sons David and Gary in Detroit. Janet worked a variety of positions in Michigan and was later a secretary for the local Beckley newspaper. As much as Janet and Joe enjoyed living in Michigan, they were happy they were able to return home to West Virginia in the 1970s.

Since moving back to West Virginia, Janet enjoyed many visits from her sons and listening to music with them on road trips. She also took trips with her son David and his family. This included trips across the country to places like the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee and the Mall of America in Minnesota, and visits back to Michigan.

Janet was the sweetest grandmother who always complimented her grandkids’ best traits and supported their dreams, making them feel like they could accomplish anything that they set their mind to. She was truly one of the most patient, kind, and loving people. As just one example, she never complained when her grandkids stayed up all night playing DX Ball on her computer and shouting when they lost or reached a new level. Janet and her granddaughter also shared a love for soap operas. Although they never watched the same ones, they loved chatting about them together.

Janet was also the kindest mother-in-law and she and her daughter-in-law enjoyed many long and fun conversations together.

Throughout her long and happy life, Janet loved birdwatching, sitting on her porch, feeding the stray cats on her street, chatting with her neighbors, calling her family members, going out to eat, reading the paper, listening to music, shopping, sightseeing, cooking breakfast and hamburgers for her family, and making cornbread. She also loved watching the news (David Muir was her favorite news anchor), crossword puzzles, coloring, doing her nails and facial care, barbeque sandwiches from King Tut before they closed, going to the Dairy Queen in Hinton, late night talk shows, hot tea, and drinking half and half cream straight out of the little containers. She also cooked the best breakfast in town. Her scrambled eggs were better than anyone else’s or those of any restaurant! Just hearing Janet say "Hello" could make your whole day.

Janet also had a wonderful relationship with her niece Patty Bays Bowling and was so grateful to have Patty by her side over the past year. Patty visited Janet almost every day while Janet was in the Hospice House. Patty was a trusted and loving companion to Janet.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, John “Joe” Romeo; Sisters: Lois Jean, Mavis, Elizabeth, and Mary; Brothers: Wesley, Lowell, John Paul, and Roger.

Those left to cherish her memory include her Son, David Joe Romeo and wife, Marian Victoria Romeo; Son, Gary Alan Romeo; Granddaughter, Stephanie Victoria Romeo and fiancé, Robert John Jakiemiec; Grandson, Matthew David Romeo and wife, Sarah Elizabeth Romeo; Sisters: Shirley, Elva, Wanda, Carol Sue, and Twila; Brothers: Darrell, Kenneth, and Larry Joe; several nieces, nephews, and extended family; and her special caregiver and friend, Kim Clay Bowling.

A service to celebrate the life of Janet Romeo will be held Saturday November 16, 2024, at 1:00pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley with Bishop Clarence Lee officiating. Following the services Janet will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Matthew Romeo, Mark Ayers, Christopher Ward, Brian Bowling, David Bays, and Scott Tzystuck will be serving as pallbearers.

Friends may gather with the family from 11:00am until the time of service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bowers Hospice House for the kindness and compassion that was shown.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Janet’s honor to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhomebeckley.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the family.