Janet Marie Meyer

Janet Marie Meyer was an extraordinary mother, wife, and human being who loved all things Winnie-the-Pooh—almost as much as she loved her family and friends. Just a few months ago she squealed like a delighted child upon seeing an advertisement for a Winnie-the-Pooh movie. In that moment her family smiled, because they knew she deserved to be delighted. Janet spent a lifetime making sure her husband, their children, and everyone around her felt loved and hopeful, so her affection for a children's story about a little stuffed bear who was kind and generous to all seems fitting.

Janet relinquished her earthly body back to the dust as she left on March 4th to go sit next to God. She leaves behind so many who will miss her, but each person who knew her understands she is bound for a glorious and heavenly place. Her legacy is one of kindness and grace, and though we're all sad she left us too soon, we rejoice in what awaits her. She is survived by her husband, Blake, her children, Cayti, Linzy, and Brady, her mother, Marla, her sister, Christine Hansen, and her brothers, David and Phillip Swilley.

Janet was born January 18, 1965 at Heights Hospital in Houston, TX to her mother Marla and "Daddy" John Swilley. She was raised in a loving home and, later, her dad Jim Burton joined her mother in continuing a tradition of love and support. Janet grew up in that home an avid Aggie fan, cheering for anything Texas A&M almost as spiritedly as she did for her children's many accomplishments. It's entirely possible "Gig-'em" was her first word.

She and Blake met in line while waiting to board a thrill ride when he and friends were on a high school trip to Astroworld. He was instantly smitten, and his friends recall he followed her all around the amusement park for the rest of the day. Blake spent the next few years driving back to Houston on weekends just so that he could spend a few minutes with her. Janet's parents would not yet allow her to "car date" back then, so the young couple had to make do with chatting at her family's kitchen table or watching television in their den. They were finally married May 16, 1987, and they have enjoyed thirty-two years as husband and wife, best friends, and remarkable parents to children anyone would be proud to call their own.

Janet was blessed with a lovely singing voice, and she was likely to break out in song at any moment of the day. Her voice was lyrical and strong, sweet and soulful, and anyone fortunate enough to hear her gift couldn't help but feel hopeful and alive.

Janet was wise when it came to life, often contributing pearls of wisdom or sage advice. She was a quintessential Texas lady whose melodic use of the word "sweetie" or "darling," in combination with an eyebrow arched just so, could be equally effective in either redirecting unacceptable behavior or lavishing praise.

She was also blessed with a wry sense of humor. On the day of her first child's birth, she wanted nothing more than to hold the baby girl while eating a double cheeseburger from Whataburger. "A mother should be able to do both," she'd announced to the friend who'd brought the food; which is exactly what she proceeded to do, snuggling and cooing to the baby even as she devoured the cheeseburger like a ravenous lioness.

Janet was an elder at Life Austin Church, a lifelong Christian who spread her faith through generous acts, kind words, and gentle grace. Her generosity to friends, family, and strangers was universally felt and admired, and she had a well-earned reputation as a fierce prayer warrior. Over the last few weeks her family has heard from friends and loved-ones all around the country describing critical moments in their lives when Janet's faith and prayer made all the difference. She lived her devotion to God daily, and the teachings of Christ were a source of strength throughout her life.

Janet was truly at home when she was in the mountains snuggling with her family after a long day of skiing and sledding. When she couldn't reach the mountains she found joy in being with her family on Lake Travis, watching her children in their myriad of extracurricular activities, and sharing quiet moments at home with the love of her life. Janet was a woman who found peace and contentment in her family and faith, and she will always be remembered and loved. There can be no greater testament to a life well lived.

"We'll be friends forever, won't we, Pooh?" asked Piglet.

"Even longer," Pooh answered.

Truly, that little stuffed bear understood Janet completely.