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A Beautiful Life Has Come to An End On today, July 8, 2023, we celebrate the birthday and life of a great woman, Janie Doris Mildred Canton Washington Maiden, affectionately known as “Peggy or Peg”. She was born on July 8, 1932, in Geneva, Texas, to the late Qutic and Leachie Dennis Canton. Janie was an only child and the last surviving grandchild of Richard and Lula Earls Canton. Janie was a kind, gentle heart, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and cousin. Her children and grands were the light of her life. She also enjoyed reading, traveling, spending time with family, and absolutely loved to see her family smile. Janie was educated at County Line Elementary School of Geneva, Texas; E.J. Campbell High School of Nacogdoches, Texas; and Prairie View A&M University, where she received her Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Education. Janie married Jordan T. (“JT”) Washington, Jr. in October 1952. To this union four children were born: Cheryl, Jerome, Jordan III and Ruth. After this union ended, she reared and educated her children, and later married Elva Maiden. Janie was a true servant of God. She confessed her faith in Christ and accepted Him as her Savior at an early age. She was baptized at County Line Baptist Church in Geneva, Texas. After moving to Dayton, Texas, Janie joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Later she moved to Lufkin and united with New Zion Baptist Church, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Presently she was a member of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church of Hitchcock, Texas. Janie authentically and genuinely cared about people and endeavors. She was an active, dedicated and tithing member of each church until her health began to decline. Janie’s personal outlook on life was based on I Peter 4:10. Each one should use whatever gift he or she has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. She consistently used her various gifts to help others. She was also a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her membership was the evidence of her personal outlook as it allowed her to help her fellowman and symbolized her belief that friendship is essential to the soul. As a fifth-generation educator in her family, Janie served Dayton ISD for nine years. After relocating to Lufkin, Janie joined Diboll ISD as a Vocational Adjustment Coordinator (“VAC”) Specialist and served in that capacity until her retirement. After retirement, she continued to volunteer at the school with students who needed reading and testing skills improvement. Janie was a founding member of the Gasby New Zion Cemetery Committee and the Geneva - New Zion Community Center. As long as her health permitted, she attended all meetings and was always the first to make donations to whatever was needed. In the last few years of her life, she experienced health challenges. Despite these challenges, she still applied that same kind and loving spirit to her life. She believed in the scripture James 4:2: “Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Janie went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 25, 2023, surrounded by her devoted daughter and faithful caregiver, Cheryl and husband, Cleveland. Janie beautiful, honorable, faith-filled life will forever be cherished by her children, family and friends. She is survived by children, Cheryl Washington Lane (Cleveland) of LaMarque, Dr. Jerome Washington (Dorathy) of San Antonio, Jordan Washington III (Reena) of Geneva, and Ruth Washington Hunter (Michael) of LaMarque; nine grandchildren: Dr. Cleveland Lane Jr. (Perla) of Houston, Cavell Lane (Gina) of Little Elm; Quincy Washington (Meiosha) of Humble; Christopher Lane (Sharonda) of LaMarque, Gemayal Turnquest (Sedera) of Humble, Nikki Washington (Selena) of Houston, CheNeal DeJean (Roland II) of Wylie, Jaye Washington of San Antonio, and Micaela Hunter of Atlanta; thirteen great grandchildren: Cobe Lane, Jayla Lane, Qadyn Washington, Jada Lane, Cleveland Lane III, Lincoln Lane, Roland DeJean III, Quade Washington, Cavell Lane Jr., Chelesa DeJean, Genesis Turnquest, Louis Lane, and Clover Lane; three great-great grandchildren: Carter, Caloni and Camari Lane; brother-in-law, Ray Maiden; stepdaughter, Mary Maiden; Maiden grandchildren: Loretta Burdow, Nora Maiden, April Ransom, Corwin “Dude” Johnson, Anthony Maiden, Jr.; and a host of extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

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Janie Doris Mildred Canton Washington Maiden

July 8, 1932 - June 25, 2023