Janet Imogene Blathers

With heavy hearts, but grateful for a life well lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Janet Imogene Blathers, affectionately known to family and friends as “Jeannie,” who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on June 4, 2026, at the age of 83.

Jeannie was born on October 16, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Clinton Parker and Alvoyd (Carlisle) Davis. She was also lovingly raised by her stepfather, Sammie Davis, Jr., affectionately known as “Papa Pete”. From her mother, Jeannie inherited a fiery spirit, strong will and vibrant personality. From Sammie Davis, Jr. (Papa Pete) she learned kindness, humor and the gift of making people smile. Together, they helped shape the woman who would become the heart of so many lives.

She attended Hoffman Elementary School before continuing her education at William Howard Taft and later graduated from Withrow High School in 1961.

It was at Withrow High School where Jeannie met the love of her life, James Blathers, affectionately known as Jim. Family members still smile when telling the story of Jim approaching her locker and saying, “Hey baby, baby, let me carry those books.” What started with carrying books, eventually led to carrying one another through life’s joys and challenges for more than six decades. They were united in marriage on June 23, 1962, beginning a love story that would stand the test of time.

As a young girl, Jeannie attended First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills, where she accepted Christ early in life. Her faith remained an important part of who she was throughout her journey. She later became a devoted member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of Madisonville, where she faithfully served on the Usher Board and Hospitality Ministry, welcoming others with the same warmth that characterized her daily life.

Jeannie was a homemaker in every sense of the word. She didn’t just make a house beautiful, she made it feel like home. Family was her greatest treasure, and she poured her

heart into caring for those she loved. She was fiercely protective, endlessly devoted, and always ready to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or remind you exactly what she thought about a situation, whether you asked or not.

If you were lucky enough to be loved by Jeannie, you always knew where you stood. She would defend you fiercely, celebrate your victories enthusiastically, and tell you the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Jeannie collected people wherever she went. Friends quickly became family, and family always knew there would be room for one more at her table. Her warm smile and welcoming spirit made everyone feel at home. At the same time, she possessed a sharp wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm that kept life interesting. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and somehow managed to make people laugh while doing it.

Jeannie believed life was meant to be celebrated. Whether it was a holiday, birthday, wedding, family gathering, or simply lunch with her Golden Girls, she was often the one bringing people together and making sure everyone felt included.

Her passions were many. She loved traveling with family and friends, especially to Grand Cayman Islands, French Lick Lake, Gatlinburg, and California. She adored the holidays, particularly Christmas, and delighted in making every celebration special. She never forgot a birthday and believed every milestone deserved to be remembered. She loved gardening, collecting treasured keepsakes, planning events, especially weddings and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One of Jeannie’s greatest joys was spending time with her beloved Golden Girls, a cherished group of lifelong friends who shared laughter, adventures, celebrations and countless memories over the years. Their friendship was a testament to Jeannie’s gift for building deep and lasting relationships. Whether gathering with family or her Golden Girls, she had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed and important.

She was a hopeless romantic, who loved receiving flowers, enjoyed beautiful clothes and jewelry, and could often be

found planning her next gathering or special occasion. She was also a gifted baker whose cakes and pies became treasured family traditions. Many family gatherings were made sweeter because Jeannie was in the kitchen.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her father, Clinton Parker; her mother, Alvoyd (Carlisle) Davis; her stepfather, Sammie Davis, Jr. (“Papa Pete”); her brothers, Carl Leon Parker, Herbert Lee “Herbie” Parker and Richard Arlin Parker; her beloved grandson, Ryan Canida; and numerous aunts and uncles.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband of nearly 64 years, James “Jim” Blathers; her children, Gina (Tony) Canida, Jermaine (Gina) Blathers and Derrick Blathers; her grandchildren, Ciara (Theo) Givens, Darius Canida and Kalen Blathers; her cherished fur-grandbabies, Kingston and Panther; her sisters, Lenora (Jeff) Stovall and Lovella Gamble; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; her church family; her beloved Golden Girls; and countless friends, whose lives were touched by her kindness, humor, hospitality and love.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice knowing that Jeannie is now reunited with loved ones gone before her and resting in the eternal presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith, family, laughter, hospitality, fierce love and unwavering devotion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

She taught us that family is meant to be cherished, friendships are meant to be nurtured, holidays are meant to be celebrated and love is meant to be expressed freely and often. The memories she created and the lives she touched will continue to bless generations to come.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

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