Obituary of Janet (Lamphier) Jackson

GREENWOOD: Janet (Lamphier) Jackson, 89, of Rock Creek passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, November 26, 2022 at her home surrounded by the comfort, care and love of her family. Born in North Hornell on December 22, 1932, the first born of the late Howard L. and Celia Pierson Lamphier of Rock Creek, Greenwood. She was the granddaughter of the late Samuel E. and Oliett Streeter Pierson also of Greenwood, and the late Warren and Nellie Preston Lamphier of Canisteo. Janet was a 1951 graduate of Greenwood Central School. She received the Good Citizenship D.A.R. award that year. On July 7, 1951 she married Walter W. Jackson, Jr. of Canisteo at the Greenwood United Methodist Church officiated by the Rev. Harold Wass. She was predeceased by her husband on January 21, 2017 after 65 years of a wonderful married life together. They had one daughter, Starla Williams (Dana) of Greenwood. She lived her entire life in Greenwood where she worked in “Lippert’s Grocery Store” two years and then at the “Greenwood Post Office” as a career clerk until she became Postmaster. In 1984 she received from the Postal Service the “Empire District all Services High Achiever Award” from the Empire District at Fairport, NY. Janet retired in 1988 with an honorable career of 34 years. She was devoted to her customers in Greenwood and enjoyed working and helping them. Janet was very proud of the “Firemen and Vets” Park in the village and also proud of honoring our service men with the Veterans Banners being hung in 2019. Janet enjoyed her home and family and was happiest when her daughter and her family were present. She also enjoyed working in her lawn and flowers. A 71 year member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church where she had been an active member. She was leader of the United Methodist Youth Group, thought Sunday school, Summer Vacation Bible School, President and Secretary of both the Women Society of Christian Service (W.S.C.S.) and United Methodist Women’s Group (W.M.W.G.), Lay Leader, President of the Ad. Board and Finance Secretary. Plus many years of cleaning and helping with Church dinners. In 1978 Harriett Redmond presented her with a special membership and gold cross from the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church for being Secretary for 25 years for the United Methodist Women. In 2004 she received the “service award” from the Mountain View District of the United Methodist church at their annual laity banquet at Houghton College given to her by Rev. Dr. Ronald V. Isaman of Olean. Janet was a Member of the Greenwood and Jasper Order of the Eastern Stars where she served as conductress for many years and as Matron twice. Her husband Walter served as her patron. She worked with the Greenwood – Rexville Food Pantry at the Community of Christ Church in Greenwood for many years. Janet was Vice President of the Greenwood Cemetery Association and has also helped the Volunteer Fire Company of Greenwood from time to time when younger. In 1975 Ed Mullen asked Janet if she would keep records of the activities of the Community, plus obituaries of the town and area as well as special events for the town Historical Society. Until this date she has kept these records which the Historic Society has on record. Janet has given many talks for the Greenwood and Andover Historic Societies about the early days in Greenwood from her mother’s diaries of the 1890’s. In 2017 Janet received the “Greenwood Citizen of the Year” award at their Community Days. She was voted in as an honorary member of the “Stars” Radio Control Flying Club of Cuba, where her husband, Walter, had been a member and flew the model planes he had built as a hobby. Janet and her husband Walt have traveled many miles together over the years. First by car and later with motor home. They have traveled to England, Scotland, Wales, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Canada and the 48 of the lower United Stated. They spent the winter months in Florida for 20 years after retiring. Having a great time with new and old friends and enjoying all of Florida. They enjoyed taking their daughter and her friends on trips and spending a week each year at Myrtle Beach. They traveled to NY City to the “World Fair”, Québec for the Expo, and two trips around the U.S. with their daughter and friends. They thoroughly enjoyed the trips with the motor home taking the 2 grandchildren Amanda and Jon on trips to many parks including Disney World. In addition to her parents and grandparents Janet was predeceased by two brothers, Hugh and Harley Lamphier (Eleanor) of Greenwood, a great niece Alison Lamphier of Vermont, and her son-in-law Dana Williams (Nov. 9, 2020). Janet is survived by her daughter Starla Jean Williams of Greenwood, a granddaughter Amanda Fronczak (Chris) of Tonawanda, NY and a grandson Jonathan Williams (Sarah) of Lockport, NY and five great grandchildren: Cole Fronczak, twins: Adeline Marie & Bella Rose and Kaia Grace Williams and Alec Jax. A niece Melinda Brown (Earl) of Essex Junction, VT and a nephew Steven Lamphier (Darlene) of Colchester, VT, two great nephews Sam Lamphier and Ben Brown and one great niece Hannah Lamphier all of VT, and many cousins and friends. She thanked her Lord and Savior every day for her life with her wonderful parents and two brothers, her devoted and loving husband, loving daughter, two amazing grandchildren Amanda and Jon and their mates, and her 5 great grandchildren. She was so grateful for all. There will be no calling hours or services at this time. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Greenwood, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Greenwood Cemetery Association c/o Robert Streeter, 3257 Ste. Rte. 248, Canisteo, NY 14823 or to the Greenwood Vol. Fire Dept. 751 Andover St. Greenwood, NY 14839. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.