Janette M. (Tolson-Walters) Thompson
1929—2016
Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great and Great Great Grandmother
Affectionately called “Granny” by her family and friends
Janette Thompson, 86 of Martinsburg, passed away peacefully at her home on March 30, 2016.
Born on June 17, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Ethel (Mamu) Tolson.
Married in 1948 to the late Fredrick Walters, the couple raised seven children in New Jersey and Delaware. They formed a legendary Country Music Band in which Fred played lead guitar and Janette played rhythm guitar and was the lead singer. Their love of music was passed to their children who are also known for their musical talents.
Following Fred’s passing, Janette married the late Gavis Thompson and the couple moved to Kearneysville in the early 1970’s. Their home “Crazy Corner” was a wonderful gathering place where many fond memories were made.
Janette loved her family and friends; she loved music, fishing, gardening, canning, cooking, knitting, crocheting, reading, sports, and her Washington Redskins and Nationals teams. She loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports and music. She could still get the crowd rocking when she got up and sang “Lady with the Red Dress On” in her 70’s.
Janette worked as a waitress and bartender in Delaware, New Jersey and in Charlestown, West Virginia, where she was loved by her customers and admired for her caring and friendly personality. Following the passing of “Gabe,” Janette moved to Martinsburg in 2013.
She is survived by her sister, Joan Pennington; and her children and their families: The Walters, Deborah, Fredrick (Beth), Stephen (Michele), Janine (Lynne), William and “Jackie” John (April).
In addition to her parents and her husbands, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jean; her brother, Jack; and her son, “Hank” Jeffrey.
A celebration of her life will be held on May 14, 2016 at 2 pm at Rosedale Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather from 1-2.
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