Janet Kirkland Love

Janet Elaine Love, born June 15, 1947, passed away on February 3, 2026, surrounded by love. For more than 35 years, Jan shared a loving marriage with her husband, Gary Love. Together they built a life full of laughter, hard work, and adventure. They loved taking big trips together, but they also delighted in simple joys, cooking and sharing treats, like blizzards from Dairy Queen. Jan's finesse with numbers, thriftiness, and sharp business sense helped her and Gary build and run a successful business together for many years, something she took great pride in. Jan was, first and always, a devoted mother and an adoring grandmother. Her life revolved around her family, and she showed up for them in every way—serving as a Girl Scout leader, a team mom, and a constant presence at sporting events, birthdays, and celebrations big and small. She was not just "Granny,” but one of their biggest fans and fiercest supporters. Jan had a playful, uninhibited spirit. She loved to dance, sing, and pull practical jokes, and she never hesitated to be silly if it meant making someone smile. She also had a passion for garage sales and antique collecting, always on the hunt for a hidden treasure. Her compassion and joy were the result of her relationship with Jesus. Jan was a devout Christian and devoted member of Jonesboro First Baptist Church. In addition to caring for her husband and family and service to her church, Jan dedicated many years to volunteering at a battered women’s shelter and later worked at a group home supporting older adults with disabilities. Helping others wasn’t something she talked about—it was simply how she lived. Jan is survived by her husband of almost 36 years, Gary Love; her sister, Gail Wright; her daughter Gina Echevarria and her husband Vic; her son Rick Smith and his wife Amy; her granddaughters, Charli Echevarria, Abby Thompson, Lainie Foerster, and Ella Smith; and her great-granddaughter, Janet Hinds, her cherished namesake. She is also lovingly remembered by Gary’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Craig and Angie Love, Lindsey, Derek, Dansby, Seager, and Murphy Duran, Luke Love, Sally Love, Rich Love, Kayla Love, and Connor Love. Jan will be remembered for her infectiously fun personality, her generosity of spirit, her laughter, and the way she made people feel welcomed and cared for. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in the Chapel of Ford Stewart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM till 3:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in her name to: First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, PO BOX 773, Jonesboro, GA 30237 or call 770-478-6710.

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Janet Kirkland Love

June 15, 1947 - February 3, 2026