Janie Stevens Mawyer

Janie Stevens Mawyer passed away on January 2, 2023 at age 95. She was born into the Greatest Generation on April 20, 1927 at home in Lovingston Virginia, where she lived most of her life. She was the youngest of six children born to Samuel Meade Stevens Sr. and Carrie Wright Stevens.

In addition to her parents, Janie was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Earl Hamilton Mawyer Jr.; her siblings, Samuel M. Stevens Jr., Beatrice S. Ashley, Lillian S. Witt, W. Witt Stevens, and Millard S. Stevens; half brother Charles W. Stevens; half sister Gladys E. Stevens; and daughter-in-law Claudene A. Mawyer. She was the last of 67 first cousins on the Stevens’ side of the family, and she could name them all.

Janie leaves behind her children, who greatly loved and admired their mother for her calm demeanor, humble personality, and beautiful spirit. She is survived by Earl M. Mawyer (Kim), Edith M. Burns (Kent), Kenneth H. Mawyer, Anne M. Ferguson (Danny), Gregory S. Mawyer (Joyce), and grandchildren, Matthew, Sydney, and Chase. She also leaves behind many devoted nieces and nephews.

Janie graduated from Lovingston High School and Phillips Business College, then embarked on a long work career. One of her greatest life achievements was simultaneously raising five teenagers. She enjoyed sharing family history and stories of growing up during the Great Depression. She loved the beach her entire life and would travel by Greyhound bus in the 1940s and 50s to beaches as far away as Miami. She was an avid UVA basketball and Washington Nationals fan. Janie was a lifetime member of Woodland Baptist Church in Colleen, and she liked to tell the childhood story of walking home from church one night and walking face to face into a cow. “Let’s be happy” were some of her last words. 

A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Woodland Memorial Park with Rev. David Blevins officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel.

In honor of Janie’s love of animals and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, 29 Stagebridge Road, Lovingston VA 22949.

Arrangements under the direction of Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).