Janet Kay Brewer
October 20, 1948 - March 23, 2020

Janet Kay Brewer, 71, of Jonesboro, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Lakeside Nursing Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time. Janet was born on October 20, 1948 in Lake City to the late H.R. and Hazel Northern Owens. She was a lifetime member of Bethabara Baptist Church and owned and operated Merle Norman Cosmetics in Lake City for many years. Janet was proud of her large extended family and loved spending time with them; she also enjoyed her grandchildren immensely. She was a people-oriented person who loved working in the public and formed many friendships over the years while working at Casual Corner and Coldwater Creek. Survivors include: Rick Brewer, her husband of 51 years, of the home; one daughter: Kristin Emery (Mark) of Lake City; two sons: Brandon Brewer and Colby Brewer (Ashley), both of Jonesboro; five brothers: Hershel Owens (Theresa) of West Memphis; Larry Owens (Sue) of Jonesboro; Garry Owens and Donnie Owens (Monica) all of Lake City; and Mike Owens of Conway; two sisters: Diane Wright (George) and Beverly Lomax (Kenny), all of Jonesboro; six grandchildren: M.J. Emery (Kaley), Morgan Foley (Spencer), Bryson Brewer, Burkeley Brewer, Bevan Brewer, and Bentley Brewer; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by two sisters: Winnie Spikes and Deborah Gilley; two brothers: Bobby Owens and Ronald Owens; and one great-granddaughter: Emery Foley. From a son: “I truly believe I lived a perfect childhood; she and Dad were obviously instrumental in that. Not that we had a lot of money or anything, but we always had our extended family and friends that made us feel wealthier than others. After work she’d come home and cook supper almost every day, and we sat down as a family to eat.” Most recall Janet’s love of sports, particularly the Lake City teams and later Riverside. She was pretty feisty toward other coaches and refs/umpires. Some fans of opposing teams might be surprised to know that that crazy lady was a Sunday school teacher and an active member of Bethabara Baptist Church and WMU. Others will remember Janet from her Merle Norman days. She loved makeup and fashion and her store became a busy hub during many years of pageants and proms, not just in Lake City, but also in surrounding area schools. Janet’s friends were also special to her. They had the best times; their monthly Canasta Card Club party was a big event for her for about 40 years. She remained particularly close to the ladies she graduated with from Lake City High School. They still take girls’ trips to this day without her, but that’s how she would want it. Janet and Rick were both active in church. Practically every time a revival came to Bethabara, she would have the visiting preacher come to the family’s home one night for supper. Her cooking ranked with the best, and she was a very good hostess. Coming from a large family, Janet never met a stranger and could talk to anyone for hours at a time. She truly had her priorities in order – God, family, friends, and community. Rick, Kristin, Brandon, and Colby feel blessed to have had her for so long and would appreciate the continued prayers of family and friends. Out of an abundance of caution for others and in compliance with current health safety guidelines, there will be a private family graveside service and burial with Bro. Don Strait officiating under the direction of Faith Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bethabara Baptist Church in Lake City or Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas.