Janice McAbee Kerley

Janice Lynn McAbee Kerley was born in Asheville, NC, on March 10, 1955, and passed away on April 11, 2018, in Asheville, surrounded by the love of many family members. Janice attended A.C Reynolds High School in Fairview, NC, where she was a hippie who loved Janis Joplin and many other types of music. She married Floyd in 1972 and before having children she had a horse, Sunny Boy, whom she cherished. For many years, Janice worked at Enka High School in Enka, NC, where she enjoyed the kids, was known to always have a smile on her face, and built timeless-treasured friendships. Janice had a fun way about her and could always make you laugh. A lifetime animal lover, Janice doted on her little dog, Cody, and her grand-dogs. Janice also loved flowers and was blessed with the ability to remember the names of local flora and beyond. She would tell you, however, that her greatest gifts and challenges and biggest source of pride, joy, and love are her three children. Janice was predeceased by her beloved parents, Roachel Marion McAbee and Rosa Vivian Kirby McAbee, and a treasured sister, Judy Gail McAbee Smith (Eugene Smith). Janice is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Floyd Eugene Kerley; sons, Jason Eugene Kerley (Lisa Kennedy Kerley), of Gastonia, NC, and Jeremy Richard Kerley, of Candler, NC; a daughter, Laura Lynn Kerley (Brian McGrain) of Candler; siblings, Patricia McAbee Dills, of Candler, Bruce Alan McAbee (Rita McAbee) of Conover, NC, Kenneth Ray McAbee (Shirley McAbee) of Asheville, and Dena McAbee Smith, of Jupiter, NC; sister-in-law, Helen Kerley Watkins (Mitchell L. Watkins, Sr.) of San Antonio, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless friends. The Kerley family would like to thank the Mission Hospital Gynecology/Oncology and Palliative Care Teams and all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff at Mission Hospital Asheville and St. Joe's who provided top-notch care with compassion and dignity. In lieu of flowers, please kindly donate to MAHEC Women's Services, https://mahec.net/about-us/giving-opportunities. A Celebration of Mrs. Kerley's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.