Janet Raye (DeMoss) Royer
Janet Raye DeMoss Royer, daughter of the late Nobel Joseph DeMoss, and Lillie Gertrude Farrell was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 3, 1933. She died peacefully at her daughter’s home on December 24, 2022, at the age of 89.
She attended Treadwell High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she met her late husband, Charles “Norman” Royer. They were married on July 9,1948. In 1949, she became the devoted mother of Charles “Chuck” Norman Royer, Jr. and later, Valerie Gail. She used her many talents to augment the family income, working out of her home as both a seamstress and hairdresser.
Janet professed faith in Christ at an early age. She was an active member of Berclair Baptist in Memphis for over 40 years before joining Faith Baptist in 1995 and moving to Bartlett. The friendships developed during these years became extended family and the Faithful Followers Sunday school class her home. At 56, she began working at the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau as a receptionist. She adored her job and coworkers and they loved her back, affectionately referring to her as Janay! Having suffered for years with chronic eye problems, she retired after 14 years when her eyes would no longer allow her to make the lengthy drive to downtown Memphis. Facing multiple health issues including five bouts with cancer, she was a woman who lived her life with faith and courage. She filled her days with church activities and friends, sharing her joy and inspiration with everyone she came in contact with. Her sweet spirit continued when she moved to Campbellsville, Kentucky, in 2019 to be near her daughter.
Janet is survived by her daughter, Gail (Gabe) Gabehart and four beloved grandchildren: David (Liz) Royer of Memphis, Austin (Tamara) Prather of Bowling Green, KY, Garrett (Sara) Gabehart of Versailles, KY and Jenna (Matt) Canon of Lexington, KY. She was the loving great-grandmother of Jackson, Cohen, Addyson Kate, Graham, Clay, Remy and Sybil. She also leaves a host of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, son, Chuck, and her devoted sister, Elinor June Smith.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE PENDING
