Janie Lavern (Kelly) Sadler

Mrs. Janie L. Sadler, 92 of Smyrna, Georgia passed on Thursday, March 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00AM at St. Paul Of The Cross, 551 Harwell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM until the hour of service. Interment will follow in College Park Memorial , 3600 N. Adams, College Park, GA 30337. Please keep the Sadler family in your thoughts and prayers.

Our beloved Janie Lavern Sadler ascended to her eternal home with her heavenly Father on Thursday, March 23, 2023. She was born on  May 6, 1930 in Greensboro, NC to Frank Kelly Sr. and Janie Yarborough Kelly. Her six brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Up until her death, Janie was the matriarch of the Kelly family and loved by many.

Janie graduated from James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC. She began her undergraduate education at Bennett College, a historically black, all-female school in Greensboro, NC. She later transferred and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA on June 6, 1956. She went on to obtain a Master’s in Education from West Georgia College. Over the years, Janie earned numerous continuing education and teaching certifications. These achievements culminated with Janie being awarded Teacher of the Year in the Marietta School System.

Janie married her long-time sweetheart Joel Sadler Sr. and lived in Marietta, GA eventually settling in Rose Garden Hill Community in Smyrna, GA where they raised their family.

Janie began her teaching career at segregated Lemon Street School. After integration, Janie taught at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Keith Middle School and eventually retired from Marietta Junior High School on June 12, 1991 with over 30 years of service. Janie taught generations of families within the Marietta School System. She was a vibrant leader who loved and lived to serve others. Janie loved her students and they loved her. During her teaching career, she was determined, patient, and focused on instilling in her students the values that she knew would benefit them throughout life and outside the classroom. She always knew the outcome would benefit not only her students, but the lives that they also touched. Janie modeled her life through the mantra that no individual should be left behind and that everyone should be treated equally. May her legacy continue to grow and impact the world through her family and friends. Janie was committed to her faith in the Catholic Church and was a member of St. Paul’s of the Cross in Atlanta, GA. She loved her church community and believed in her faith. She had a spiritual walk with God that guided her throughout her life. Janie never met a stranger, loved to talk and was always friendly. She believed in traditions and was very sentimental and intentional with her words, gifts and interactions. She enjoyed sports and watching her children play a variety of sports including softball, baseball, football and basketball. Janie was often referred to as “the loudest one in the gym”. Janie had many famous sayings such as: “I have forgotten more than you will ever learn”; “it’s nothing wrong with your brain”; “fools will make you a fool”; “that ain’t hittin’ on nothin”; and finally, “now you cooking with gas”. She could be your biggest critic, but she was also your number one fan and supporter.

Janie loved family and enjoyed being around her immediate and extended family. Her children were her pride and joy. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining her friends and family. Janie was a member of the Metro International Traveling Club and had the opportunity to travel the country and the world. She enjoyed the leisure of travel, but also travelled with educational groups that provided opportunities to learn about the locale. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends as they had a monthly Social Bridge Club. Janie was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Janie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Janie Kelly, dedicated husband Joel Sadler Sr., and first-born Sheila Joyce who died in infancy.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children, Cynthia Barker (Joseph), Janice Renee Heard (Terry), Joel Sadler Jr, Brian Sadler (Maureen), Sheree Brown (Thomas); her grandchildren, Natheis Heard, Tabrese Warren, Trellis Heard, Kelly Crawford, Leslie Benjamin, Ashley Braithwaite, Charles Dunson Jr, Kylin Sadler, Ryan Sadler, Amaree Brown, Landon Brown and Nia Sadler. She will be missed by her great grandchildren and great-great grandchild. Janie was a special Aunt to a host of nieces and nephews and will be missed by other relatives and friends.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.mackeppingerfuneralhom.com

Mack Eppinger and Sons Funeral Services,Inc. are in charge of the arrangements.

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