Janet Holly “Jan” Hearne passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at her home in Jonesborough. She was 67.
Jan was a talented writer, serving as an editor and columnist for the Johnson City Press for 17 years and authoring the column “Out of My Head,” until her retirement several years ago. She was also author of the book “Only in California: Fabulous Facts, Weird Happenings, and Eccentric Ephemera from America’s Most Altered State.”
Jan was kind-hearted, compassionate, opinionated and strong-willed, and she loved to laugh. Her sense of humor came through in everything she did. She was also a fighter who, despite many years of dealing with cancer and other serious health issues, never gave up and always seemed to outlast predictions or surpass expectations.
She was a lover of animals and had many loyal pets over the years. She was also a great lover of the arts, from music (especially The Beatles) to Broadway, movies, theater and literature, and was a founding member of Book Club with several close friends. Jan loved live music and was also a huge fan of the Tour de France bicycle race.
She was born in Savannah, Ga., was raised in Knoxville and lived in Athens, Tennessee, among other places, before settling in Johnson City and finally Jonesborough. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University.
Jan leaves behind her sister, Sandi Miller; her grandniece Chelsea and Chelsea’s father Brian Armstead, and a host of wonderful friends, including her closest friend, Toby Wilkins, who gave her devoted care and support until the very end, and her sweet and neurotic dog, Sadie, whom Jan said must’ve been dropped on earth by space aliens because her behavior was so abnormal.
Special thanks to the hospice nurses, caregivers and the many friends who provided such extraordinary support and comfort for Jan in so many ways. She was overwhelmed by the love and support she received.
A gathering to celebrate Jan’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 7-11 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough. It will be an informal gathering of friends and family to remember Jan, and everyone is invited.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter.
01/23/2020
Deb Harrell Floyd
I met Janet in 8th grade, and her sister Sandi. Did not spend more than a year with them in Atlanta. It broke my heart when they moved. We kept in touch. Jan told me stories of taking her Dad’s “Curry Shark” Cadillac out In Knoxville with it’s luminescence logo on the doors, “Debby, I cannot get away with anything!!!” A kind and creative individual she will be missed.
09/17/2019
barbara taylor
blessing to you on the loss of jan
she was a very nice & special friend from our past thru the jc press
I was saddened to learn of Jan's passing. She was one of the
real strengths of the Johnson City Press and things were just
never the same after she left. I know her readers miss her just
and I. Rest in peace, Jan.
Jan was one of the good ones! Devoted sister and friend and
pet parent. I shared many a laugh with her during our shared
time at the Press and over lunch after that. Sandi, Chelsea
and Brian and all her friends and family are in my thoughts as
we say goodbye for now to a really great lady.
