Henry Daily Herald

Janie Tay Howell, 62, of McDonough, died May 31, 2012. She was surrounded by loving family and friends. A native of Philadelphia, Miss., Janie was born Jan. 23, 1950, to Ray Howell and Sara Peebles Howell. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Mississippi State University in 1972, and worked in the social work field until the 1980s. She then worked as a legal assistant for several prominent Atlanta law firms, until having to retire on disability in 2006. Janie was a founding member of the Stony Creek Cloggers and the Special Edition International Dance Team, which afforded her the opportunity to travel through much of western Europe and Australia. She was a charter member of Eagle’s Landing Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a loving wife and a nurturing mother.

Janie’s strength was an inspiration to those who knew her. She battled lupus for 38 years, but did not complain of her struggles. Janie celebrated life through her faith, her unwavering devoted to family, her positive attitude, and delightful sense of humor, and her appreciation of the world’s beautiful things. Janie was passionate about civil rights, music (particularly R&B, Funk and Bluegrass), dancing and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her four-legged friends Dingo and Sweetgirl. She is survived by her parents, husband, C. Milton Strange; son, A. Justin Short and his wife Jessica, of Bozeman, Mont.; stepson, Kevin T. Strange, and his wife Mary, of Queens, N.Y.; sister, Deborah Howell, and brother Harold L. Howell, of Philadelphia, Miss.; brother Carl R. Howell and his fianceé Ann, of Cary, N.C.; brother-in-law, Nolan M. Strange, of Decatur, Ga., and four-legged friends Scrabble and Chloe, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that gifts be designated to Sacred Journey Hospice, 138 Peach Drive, McDonough, Ga. 30253.