Janet Bell Golden

Janet Bell Golden, age 64, passed away at Winter Haven Hospital on Friday, September 12, after a short illness while surrounded by loving friends. Janet was born on February 1, 1950, in Baltimore , Maryland, to Elizabeth and Raymond Golden. Both her parents and sister, Carol Anne Golden, have predeceased her.

After the family moved to Florida , she attended schools in Winter Haven. Janet graduated from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta and began a distinguished career teaching chemistry beginning at South Gwinnett High School and later at Heritage High School in Conyers, Georgia , where she not only taught general chemistry classes, but also Advanced Placement Chemistry and served as department chair. She went on to earn her masters and education specialist degrees.

While living in Atlanta, Janet was an active member of the Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa education sorority. After serving in local, district and state offices and having over 25 years of membership, she was awarded a “Silver Sister” designation in the sorority.

After retiring from the Georgia system, Janet moved back to Winter Haven and taught chemistry at Polk State College for the past twelve years. She was a respected educator and friend.

Once back in Winter Haven, Janet resumed her membership at First Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder and Chairman of both the Personnel and Youth Scholarship committees. Janet also became active in the local branch of the Chapter U of PEO. She served twice as President and was currently Vice-President of the chapter.

Janet was a devoted daughter and sister, and loving caretaker of her beloved Beagle, Jenny. She was wonderful to her many friends who appreciated both her kindness and quick wit. In addition Janet was a fantastic gardener, superb cook, voracious reader and lover of all things connected with the beach!

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven at 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 18.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Janet’s memory may make donations to the Humane Society or Good Shepherd Hospice Women of Giving.