May 5, 2022, 84, Mount Olive –
Ms. Janet Gaynelle Boone transitioned from earth to eternity in her 84th year, on May 5,
2022, surrounded by her sister and nieces at the Brian Center in Wallace, NC, where she
was cared for and treated by the wonderful staff of nurses and aides until her last breath.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Noretta (Boone) Winn-Jones, four aunts, two
uncles and the paternal grandparents who raised her, Willie “Pete” and Kattie Lee (Hussey)
Boone.
Referred to as, “Ms. Boone,” Janet, was born and raised in a rural Black community in
Mount Olive, NC, called Hickory Nut Hill, where she lived contentedly and cherished as a
child, and later, respected and treasured as an older adult.
Prior to her fall, in January, Ms. Boone remained independent and active within
the community she loved. Whether it was spending her mornings walking laps at Mount Olive
Park, eating and playing games at the local Senior Center during the day, taking up her
reserved seating and parking at Piggly Wiggly, or regular church attendance, her daily
routine was filled with an expression of her attachment and dedication to her community.
Ms. Boone spent all her life entrenched in the fiber of Mount Olive. While her career
consisted of 25 years at Medical Park Nursing Center as a Dietary Aide, she also worked
domestically in local homes and businesses, such as Tyndall Funeral Home. After her
retirement in the early 2000’s, she continued to visit and volunteer with the residents at
Medical Park (now Genesis Nursing Home) and continued to help protect her neighbors as
a part of the Community Crime Watch.
She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister; Hiawatha Jones, Goldsboro, two nieces;
Ja’Near Jones, Virginia and Myea Jones, California, her Hickory Nut Hill Family, Piggly
Wiggly Family and a host of relatives and friends.
A “Viewing and Reflection” will be held Thursday evening, May 12, at Northeast Chapel Free Will Baptist,
503 East James Street, Mount Olive, NC from 6 PM-8 PM. During this time, family and friends
may share comments, sentiments, and antidotes about Ms. Boone. On her way to the
church, Ms. Boone will make her final visit to Piggly Wiggly in a commemorative lap around
the parking lot at 5:45 PM.
A graveside eulogy will be held at 11am on Friday, May 13, at the Wayne Memorial
Park in Dudley, NC, with a private mausoleum closing.
