Janet Gay (Wesley) Gehring, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the age of 84. She was born October 23, 1939, in Bethel Ridge, Kentucky, the daughter of Lewis Mitchell and Eva (Parker) Wesley.
Early in 1961, Mr. Roy Zane Gehring and Miss Janet Gay Wesley renewed their acquaintance from Junior High. They married on September 6, 1963, and together they shared a great love of each other, and their family, and especially cherished the role of grandparents. They were both magnificent dancers, enjoying many an evening socializing and dancing at the Elks Club during their younger years.
Janet earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Education and French from Eastern Kentucky State University in 1961, where she was selected to appear in the Who’s Who Among American University and College Students. She then obtained a Master’s Degree in Business and Education from Arkansas State University in 1980, and an Education Specialist Degree from Arkansas State University in 1981.
Janet dedicated many years of her life to education, retiring from Paragould Public School System in 2000, where she taught French. She was an active member of the Faculty Women’s Club.
Janet was an avid reader who loved to travel. Ever the adventurers, she and Roy backpacked across Europe before their children were born. They took about 20 cruises to multiple countries over the years, as well.
Janet was an excellent cook who loved preparing meals for her family and friends. She loved being surrounded by her family, and was devoted to her “grandgirls”.
Mrs. Gehring was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Roy Zane Gehring on August 7, 2020; an infant son; two brothers, Joe Max Wesley and Von Dale Wesley; and her parents.
She is survived by one son, Zane Wesley Gehring, and wife, Kasey, of Jonesboro; one daughter, Gabrielle Lane Gehring Johnson and husband, Rex, of Fort Smith; four grandchildren, Krista Lane Edmonds, Courtney Lynn Edmonds, Alexa Grace Edmonds, and Lindley Elise Gehring; a host of nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit the Jonesboro First United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 21, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, at Jonesboro First United Methodist Church, with Rev. David Hoffman officiating. The interment will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Foltz, Rex Johnson, Clay Wilkes, Chris Edmonds, and Jonathan Tsai. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Freeman and Dr. John Sanford.
