Janice Louise "Jan" Carter

Born on March 7, 1942, in Green Bay, WI, Jan was raised in Green Bay and Madison, WI where she attended the University of Wisconsin before finishing her degree at Lambuth College in Jackson, TN. Jan was never a fan of the cold weather, so, after making her home in much warmer Jackson, TN, she raised three grateful, independent, adventurous, exuberant, rambunctious, traveling daughters as a single Mom before returning to Union University to obtain her BSN in Nursing and began her second career as a dialysis nurse and administrator before retiring in 2012.

Jan was a gentle, quiet force and displayed her kindness to everyone she knew, including the many friends of her three girls. She was known as the “cool Mom” and we all agreed she was one of the most beautiful, as well. Her home was always filled with kids, hers and all their friends. She was like a second Mom to most of these kids and they all adored her. Her home was always non-judgmental and filled with love. Jan could be as regal as The Queen, poised and with a quiet nature, but also as funny as Gilda Radner, laughing so hard she would be crying.

Her love of music and art were legendary and she pursued these passions throughout her life whether it be checking out art from the Downtown Library or attending house concerts and wanting to learn the violin. Jan also loved ALL the crime dramas and ALL the political shows. It is no wonder her heart was over stressed with the political climate we have lived in these past six or so years! Ha! Jan’s strong, independent, pragmatic nature will be remembered forever with fondness as well as her love for Gulf Shores, The Cottage and all things friends and family.

However, Jan’s greatest love, besides her three daughters who were a source of pride and joy for her, was her partner of 40 years and love of her life, Dr. Richard Spring. Their unique and lovely relationship stood the test of time and was a real testament to their love and fondness for one another making it one for the ages and forming a whole new family in the process.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Hamilton and Marion Renard Clark, and her sister, Joan Powell.

She is survived by her three well-loved daughters, Kristen McKenney (Mark) of Jackson, TN, Erika Townsend (Doug) of Nashville, TN and Mari Smoke Berry (Brad) of Jackson, TN, her partner, Dr. Richard Spring if Jackson, TN and his two sons Mark Spring and Reed (Mindy) Spring; her brother, John Clark (Denise) of Madison, WI, four nieces, Robin Koehl, Tinora Powell (Josh), Nicole Clark and Megan Clark, two nephews, Jason Robillard (Natsumi) and Kevin Clark, two great nieces and five cousins. Jan’s four fabulous grandchildren, Sophie Smoke, Bella and Carter Townsend, Sadie McKenney and Ansley and Eli Berry, held a special place in her heart and she spoke about them whenever anyone would listen.

With her kind, gentle, Southern demeanor, Jan was an exceptional listener and source of comfort to those close to her and was the center of her family’s universe which is right where she wanted to be, although she claimed she did not! Ha! She was an exceptional woman, the rock of our family and will be terribly missed by all her knew and loved her.

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Jan Carter on Saturday, November 27, at the New Southern Hotel in Downtown Jackson, TN, 118 E. Baltimore, starting at 3 PM. Visiting with family and friends will be from 3-5 PM, Ceremony will be at 5 PM featuring music, poetry, readings, reminiscences and a eulogy. Mexican food (Jan’s favorite!) will be served after the ceremony.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Carter family.