Janet Louise Jefferis

Janet Louise Jefferis (Middleton), born on October 10, 1954, in Augsburg, Germany, bravely battled cancer for many years and ultimately passed away due to the lasting effects of her treatments and healthcare challenges on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Janet’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and the unwavering strength of faith. Her boundless compassion and grace touched the hearts of all who knew her.

She was the toughest yet kindest woman, a guiding light not only for her family but for the many lives she touched. Janet’s love for her family, deep faith in Jesus, and endless capacity for compassion shaped the lives of all who were fortunate to know her. As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend, Janet poured herself fully into every relationship, and her legacy is felt in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Janet grew up in El Dorado, Kansas, where she graduated from El Dorado High School before moving to Emporia, where she raised her family and married the love of her life, Jan Jefferis, in 2002. Most will remember Janet for her time as the beloved librarian at Village Elementary, where her warmth, humor, and patience created a lasting impact on students. She was also the neighborhood mom to many children on Burns Street, opening her heart and home to any in need.

Janet is survived by her loving parents, Ruby and Gene Middleton, her devoted husband, Jan Jefferis, her son, Luke Buxton (wife Jordan) and their children, Kinley, Hollis, and Steele. Her siblings, Judy Cross (husband Barry) and Kelly Middleton (wife Erin).  She leaves behind niece, Mallory Krieger (husband Jason) and nephews; Logan Cross (wife Mandy), Drake Middleton, Drew Middleton, DJ Middleton, great nieces and nephews; Kai, Eli, Nate and Norah Krieger and Weston, Caleb, Tyson, and Lucy Cross.  She is also survived by her bonus children; Tracy Herrick, Adam Jefferis (wife Rynn Vogel) and Mandi Wooledge, bonus grandchildren; Haley Brinkman, Josie Herrick (husband John Deemy) and Dugan Herrick, Timber, River and Summit Wooledge, James and Nicole Jefferis, and bonus great grandchildren; Rallend and Rosalyn Brinkman.  Janet’s light continues to shine through all those she loved and cared for.

Janet is preceded in death by her beloved son, Nick, whom she lost far too soon and will now be joyfully reunited with in heaven. She is also reunited with her bonus son, Sam, whose memory she carried closely in her heart.  As well as her grandparents; Mr. and Mrs. EP Middleton and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hamilton.  Their reunion brings comfort amidst the sorrow of her passing.

Despite life’s challenges, Janet’s warmth and optimism were never diminished. She faced each trial with grace, finding joy even in the most difficult times. Her light, strength, and love live on in all of us, and we invite everyone whose life she touched to join us in celebrating her remarkable life.

Visitation will take place on Friday, September 20, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service. The family warmly invites all who knew and loved Janet to join them back at the church for a dinner following the graveside service as we reflect on the incredible life of a woman who made the world brighter for everyone in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Nicholas Buxton Scholarship through the Emporia Community Foundation, honoring the love and legacy she AND Nick will leave behind.  Contributions can be sent to Emporia Community Foundation and made payable to the Emporia Community Foundation and mailed to 527 Commercial Street, Suite B, Emporia, KS 66801. Please indicate Janet Jefferis or Nicholas Buxton in your contribution or at https://www.emporiacf.org/donate/Buxton-Memorial-Fund#top-of-form .

You can livestream the funeral service at the link below.

https://youtube.com/live/ZxHlQj3MK18?feature=share