Janie Fugate Obituary

Janie Fugate

April 7, 1940 - July 8, 2025

Janie Elizabeth Fugate

April 7, 1940 – July 8, 2025

Janie Elizabeth Fugate, beloved cousin, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on April 7, 1940, Janie grew up in Hansonville and was a 1958 graduate of Lebanon High School. She moved to Bristol as an adult and had a long and fulfilling career with LM Berry & Company, where she worked from 1959 until her retirement in 1995. Over 36 years with the company, Janie was known for her dedication, kindness, loyalty, and generous spirit. She was the kind of coworker who became a true friend. Many of the friendships she formed there remained a cherished part of her life long after she retired.

Janie had a remarkable love of children. They were naturally drawn to her warmth, playfulness, and gentle spirit. Though she never had children of her own, she had an extraordinary gift for making every child feel seen, special, and safe. To the many children who knew her, Janie was a trusted presence and a source of unconditional love.

Janie lit up a room with her warmth, wit, and laughter, forming instant bonds with anyone she encountered. She also had a special love for animals - especially cats. To think of Janie was to picture her with a beloved feline curled up nearby.

She was a proud thrifter and expert bargain-hunter. Shopping brought her joy, but finding the perfect deal was her true thrill - and her eye for a hidden gem was unmatched.

Janie was preceded in death by her mother, Blanche Fugate; and her uncle, Cecil Pendleton - two of the most important people in her life. She adored them both deeply and carried their love and influence with her always. She was also preceded in death by her dear friend, Margaret Tolbert.

She is survived by her devoted cousins: Jane Carter and her husband, Roger, of Castlewood, Va., Kent Hartsock and his wife, Sheila, of Morristown, Tenn., and Amanda Hall of Kingsport, Tenn. She also leaves behind her longtime friend, Ann Thomas, and her family; as well as her cherished goddaughters, Teresa Gereaux of Catawba, Va., and Ashley Washam and her husband, Matthew, of Oak Ridge, N.C She is also survived by longtime friend, Betty Delp; a host of other friends; and the children and grandchildren of her family and friends - all of whom she loved as her own.

Janie's bright spirit, generous heart, and unmistakable sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Weaver Funeral Home in Bristol, Tenn., on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3 p.m. with Pastor Roger Carter officiating. The burial will be held 11 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, in Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon, Va. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity or The Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in Bristol, Tenn. - a local organization supporting community outreach through its thrift store and ministry, and a perfect tribute to Janie's lifelong love of giving and thrifting.

Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services

630 Locust Street, Bristol, TN