Janet Hackett Taylor

Janet Hackett Taylor was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed traveling and the crisp mountain air but where she truly loved to be was wherever her family was. Janet was a giving and compassionate woman who had a strong work ethic and gained many accolades and much recognition for her hard work in her career but at the end of the day, serving others is what mattered to Janet most. Janet made the most of each day she was given, bringing laughter and love to all those within her reach.

Much of the 1930s were a time of great trial for many American families as near the end of the 1920s, our nation had fallen victim to the grip of the Great Depression which lasted nearly the entire decade of the thirties. Duane and Marjorie (Gooldy) Cherry were able to shift their focus to an exciting time within their own family, however, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on August 14, 1935 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Janet. As one of three children in the Cherry family, Janet was raised in the family home and was a “farmer’s daughter” as her father worked hard in the farming industry in order to support his family. As a student, Janet attended local schools and she graduated from Martinsville High School as part of the class of 1953.

Ready to hit the ground running, Janet entered the work force to begin what would be a very fulfilling and successful career. She was a longtime employee of the State of Indiana working for the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Governor’s Voluntary Action Program, and the Department of Financial Institutions. Janet was proud to have served on Governor Robert Orr’s staff and she was twice named Sagamore of the Wabash, a distinguished award which is the highest honor that the Governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Both Governor Robert Orr and Governor Evan Bayh presented Janet with this most coveted award.

Amidst preparing for her future, Janet was blessed to have met a charming young man named James Richard Hackett. Having fallen deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage on March 3, 1953, marking the beginning of a love story which would span over 50 years. The couple was additionally blessed with the births of three sons: James, Jay, and Jerald. Janet was a devoted mother with a heart for nurturing her sons and providing them with the values and lessons that helped shape who they became as adults. She and Jim built two homes together where they not only raised their family, but created many treasured memories as well.

In addition to her roles at home and at work, there were various interests that Janet enjoyed pursuing as well. Faith was important to Janet and she enjoyed both the faith and fellowship at her home church, Fairfield Friends Church. She also liked being involved with the following organizations within the Murat Shrine: the 500 Club, Hillbillies Club, and the RV Club, all with her husband Jim. Janet also enjoyed traveling all over the United States with her husband but she was especially drawn to the splendor and majesty of the mountains. She loved being informed and researching things, often using the internet as a resource and tracking genealogy too. Janet also enjoyed losing herself within the pages of Christian fiction, and she made the best popcorn balls during the Christmas holidays during her earlier years.

Later on in life, Janet experienced both peaks and valleys as so many often do. She delighted in becoming a grandmother and loved spending time with this younger generation as often as she could. Life drastically changed for Janet in February of 2005, when her beloved husband Jim died. She was blessed to find love for a second time though when she was reunited with a high school sweetheart. Janet and Bill Taylor were later married and together they enjoyed many fulfilling days. One of their favorite things to do with one another was travel, often to various abroad locations.

Sadly, Janet was diagnosed with leukemia just a few short days before she drew her last breath.

Many describe Janet as a servant with her spirit of generosity and her tender heart. She was a beautiful woman both inside and out and, her strength, strong work ethic, and dedication the driving force behind a career path that she was not only gifted in, but passionate about as well. To Janet, life wasn’t about fulfilling her own needs and desires, but rather her focus was so often on how she could meet the needs of those around her. She loved to laugh and her laughter was often contagious to all those around her and she leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories; a reflection of a live well lived.

Janet Hackett Taylor of Bloomington, formerly of Camby, died on May 19, 2009, in the Bloomington Hospital. Janet’s family includes her husband, William Taylor of Bloomington; sons, James Richard Hackett II of Indianapolis, Jay Duane Hackett of Camby, and Jerald Alan Hackett of Camby; sister, Joretta Lynch of California; grandchildren, Emily, Amy, Jeffrey, Jason, Raegan, and Sadie; stepsons, Jay Taylor of Texas, Michael Taylor of Iowa; stepdaughter, Joni Fex of Oregon; step grandchildren, Carey Jane and Graham. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rev. James Duane Cherry. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2009, in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, with calling there from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2009. Revs. Terry Crist and Chuck Bach will officiate. Burial will be in Fairfield Friends Cemetery, Camby. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online register, or make a memorial contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.