Jan Thigpen was born on January 7, 1940 and passed away on May 6, 2018.
Jan was born and raised in Portal, Georgia, where she attended Portal High School, excelled in sports and graduated in 1958. She moved to Savannah following graduation where she met and married Edward Eugene “Gene” Thigpen of Swainsboro, Georgia. After relocating to Atlanta in the mid 60’s, Jan secured a position as one of the first female representatives for a national design manufacturing company. That experience lead Jan and Gene to open a home décor and floral design business. As an emerging leader in the industry, Jan was a founding member and instrumental in establishing a successful floral co-operative in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Jan enjoyed over 30 years in the floral industry and ultimately retired in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Jan was a trailblazer, an avid football fan (Rise Up Falcons and Go Dawgs), a sought-after bridge partner, a “Glam-ma” who loved her grandkids deeply, a force of determination and a strong, resilient mother, sister and friend. She was loved and respected by many and will be missed dearly by all, including her loyal furry companions, Toby and Mia.
Jan was predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Edward Eugene Thigpen. She was also predeceased by her parents, John W. and Dovie Johnson and sister, Mary Miller. Jan is survived by her two daughters, Jodi Van Dresser and her husband Dan of Alpharetta, Georgia, Jennifer Hearn and her husband Steve of Snellville, Georgia and five grandchildren, Max Van Dresser, Sophie Van Dresser, Luke Van Dresser, Emma Hearn, Zach Hearn. She is also survived by her brothers, Roy Johnson of Portal, Georgia and Jim Johnson of Newnan, Georgia.
A private family memorial was held in Jan’s honor in celebration of her life and the legacy she leaves behind. In remembrance, donations can be made to Capstone Hospice (payable to Capstone Hospice, 5672 Peachtree Parkway, Suite J, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, please indicate “Fragile First Foundation – Jan Thigpen” on check).
Statesboro Herald, June 2, 2018
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