Janet M. Layman

Janet Mustard Layman, aged 64, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2013 at her home in Charlotte, N.C. after a long battle with colon cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. Janet was born on August 27, 1949, in Raleigh, N.C., the daughter of the late Joseph Carson Mustard and the late Dorothy Weaver Mustard.

Janet attended Broughton High School in Raleigh and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Learning, with a focus on Counseling and Guidance, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

In 1973, Janet married C. William (Bill) Layman in Raleigh. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in March 2013. Mr. Layman was president and founder of Layman Plastics Corporation.

Janet was a dedicated teacher in Charlotte for more than 30 years and was very passionate about her career and students. She spent 21 years as an educator in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, and ten years teaching at Charlotte Country Day School. In 2002, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Education Foundation recognized Janet’s dedication to the field of education, honoring her with their distinguished “Teacher of the Year” award for her work at Merry Oaks Elementary.

She was a member of several educational organizations, including the National Association of Educators, the North Carolina Association of Educators, NCTESL and the Reading Recovery Council. She was Past President of the Education for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and was Chairman and Volunteer Coordinator for the Play Reading Committee.

Janet knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. Her kindness, optimism, creativity and caring nature have made a difference in the lives of countless children. Janet radiated warmth and positivity, and had a loving and generous heart, always giving to others. Janet loved music, reading, going on neighborhood walks and vacationing at the beach. Following her retirement from teaching in 2009, her three grandchildren became her passion and delight.

Janet is survived by her husband, C. William (Bill) Layman; daughter, Julia Layman Friedman and son-in-law, Kevin Scott Friedman of Los Angeles, CA; stepson, William Layman Meacham and daughter-in-law, Seanna Adcox of Columbia, S.C; sisters, Margaret Mustard Dockery of Raleigh, N.C. and Marsha Mustard Smith of Denver, CO; niece, Jenna Dockery Webb of Raleigh; granddaughter, Hayley Carson Friedman; grandsons, Cooper Thomas Friedman and Brady Parker Friedman of Los Angeles; and several cousins.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 19th in the Chapel of Harry & Bryant Funeral Home, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28207. The family will receive friends from 10:15 am-10:45 am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance; the Alzheimer’s Association; or Hospice Foundation of America.