Janet Elaine (Shoemaker-Willis) Eakin, 82, of Old Fields, Hardy County, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at her home under the care of Grant Memorial Hospice as well as her personal group of Home Health care providers. She is now with her heavenly father watching over her loved ones. Born on March 16, 1941, in Rada, Hampshire County, she was the daughter of Willie Love Shoemaker and Hazel Loveta (See) Shoemaker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Guy William Willis; previous husband, James H. Willis; two brothers, Theodore Grant Shoemaker; William Oliver Shoemaker; a granddaughter, Kyre Begay; and special friends, Calvin and Viola Gillaspie.
Janet worked as a homemaker, farmer and mother in her younger years and later entered into a career as bookkeeper for Hines Tire & Supply in Morgantown. During her years in Morgantown, she was very active in church. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, canning and baking.
A very big part of her and her husband Joe’s life was enjoying square dancing and traveling for these events. She traveled with her husband extensively across the entire United States. She retired to Old Fields to be closer to her immediate family. While living in Old Fields, she enjoyed family and friends with many holiday celebrations and picnics.
Her gentle soul touched the lives of every person she met. There were no strangers to her. She was active in church and was a member of the Burlington First Baptist Church.
Janet is survived by her husband, Joseph Albert Eakin (USAF retired); her children, a daughter, Cynthia Elaine Charlton (widowed); two sons, Gregory Sheldon Willis of Burlington, Jeffrey Steven Willis and wife, Trixie of Burlington. Also survived by extended family of children, Joseph Albert Eakin Jr. and significant other, Linda of Morgantown; Alisha Jane Eakin Darnell Strakal and husband Bill of Morgantown; Raymond Wayne Eakin and wife Ellen of Charles Town; Belinda Lee Eakin Thobois of Morgantown; Matthew Curtis Eakin and significant other, Kelly Snapp of Fairmont; Walita Smallcanyon of Paige, Ariz.; Karen Beaver and husband of Grand Prairie, Texas; a sister, Holly Bosley and husband Teddy of Burlington; 28 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous other relatives.
At Janet’s request, there will be no services, she donated her body to WVU medical research. Family and friends may gather in the future to share and remember her life.
Special note of thanks and appreciation to her Home Health care providers, Susan Bosley, Sherry Smith, Elaine Clark, Anita See and Holly Bosley, to Grant Memorial Hospice and the Basagic Funeral Home.
Memories and words of comfort may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 185, Old Fields, WV 26845, at www.basagic.com
