Janet E. Somerville

Janet Elizabeth Somerville was born in Townsville, North Carolina on September 30, 1934 to the late Frances Alston and Robert Hill. She left this life to be with the Lord on September 10, 2016 after a lengthy illness. Janet was affectionately known as "Leah" by her family. She grew up on a farm in Franklin County and joined the Jordan Chapel Baptist Church at an early age. Having lived with her nieces and nephews, to some, she was like a sister, to others whom she cared for, encouraged and nurtured, she was like a second mother. As farmers, their work was hard. But in the midst of long hours spent working in the fields, they created timeless memories, and lasting bonds of togetherness, fun and love. Their support of and care for one another was undeniable, to the extent that at the onset of Janet's illness, and at hr request, her devoted niece, Betty Jean Shine, without hesitation, moved into her home and served as a supportive companion and loving helper until Janet's death. In 1959 Janet moved to Baltimore, Maryland where she met and married the late Roger Somerville. Of that union two children were born, Reginald and Jacqueline. As a family, they joined Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in 1977. Family was the single most important part of Janet's life. Her most cherished moments were spent either reconnecting with family and laughing about old times at annual reunions in North Carolina, or at her home,preparing Sunday dinners, making sure the menu contained her grandchildren's favorite foods. Janet also loved the excitement of Christmas. This included watching others open their gifts, then opening hers, only to re-gift them to someone else soon after. You see, her joy was found in giving and in service to others, never once, asking for anything in return. She lived a peaceful and contented life, finding fulfillment in simple things, like sitting on her front porch, enjoying her flowers that surrounded her and experiencing the warmth of God's sunshine all while siping on a glass of sweet tea, and I do mean SWEET tea! Janet leaves to mourn one son Reginald Neal Somerville (wife - Octavia) one daughter, Jacqueline Eilleen Somerville, three grandchildren, Justin Neal Somerville, Brandin Neal Somerville, and Sierra Octavia Somerville, one sister, Barbara Terry, two sister-in-law's, Mary Ruth Hill and Mary Lorraine Ackerman, 45 nieces and nephews, 108 great-nieces and nephews, 18 great-great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Janet E. Somerville

September 30, 1934 - September 10, 2016