Janet Eileen Shepherd Brown

Janet Eileen Shepherd Brown was born June 6, 1952, in Asheville, NC. She closed her eyes to this world and opened them in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, on March 30, 2026. Janet passed peacefully at home after a long battle with multiple cancers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Bernydene Shepherd, her sister Sherry, and her brothers Larry and Jim Shepherd. She is survived, loved, and cherished by her husband, J.D. They celebrated 55 years together on March 26, 2026. She is also survived by her three children, daughter Melissa (Mark) McLaughlin, and their children Sam, Jessie (DJ), Jordan, Mason (Jackie); daughter Shannon (Shannon) Moorefield, their children Sabrina and Austin (Victoria); and son John Brown ll (Lori), their children Daniel, Logan (Madie), Natalie (Jacob), and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her wit, sassy comebacks, and wisdom made her who she was and why so many loved her dearly. Janet’s large family meant everything to her, near and far. Her faith remained unwavering, no matter the battles she faced. She worked hard all her life. Janet worked at Bussman in Black Mountain, first as a material handler and later as a supervisor. For the last 20 years, she worked at Alpha and Omega trucking as a dispatcher.

Janet was and always will be an encouragement in the face of any trial for many. She has touched so many lives before, during, and after her illness. Our family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Trevor Austin and Judy Williams, PA of Messino Cancer Center, for taking amazing care of her. We would also like to thank the nurses of 5 Heart Unit and the nurses of the D unit at Mission Hospital.

There will be a celebration of life on April 11th, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian location (72 Long Shoals Rd in Arden, 28704) and her family will greet friends at the funeral home following the service until 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.