Janet G Van Doren

Janet Marian Grover Van Doren Age: 86, a devoted wife, mother, Oma and cherished member of the Burns, TN community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Her life was marked by service to others and experiences that spanned the globe. 

Janet was born on June 20, 1938, in Branchville, New Jersey, to her parents Frances Drake Sutton and Raymond Grover. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Carl Grover, Myron Grover and Kenny Utter. 

After graduating high school, Janet served three years in the United States Air Force, launching an incredible life of travel and service. Her adventures took her from living in Alaska for three years to Las Vegas, Taiwan and Japan, where fate brought her together with Pete Van Doren—both riding their motorcycles on the beach. This led to their marriage on July 28, 1973, in San Antonio, Texas, and a loving partnership that would span 51 years. 

For the past 42 years, Janet and Pete have made their home in Dickson and Burns, Tennessee, where Janet became a founding member of St. John Lutheran Church. Janet's compassionate nature showed in everything she did. She was known throughout the community for her willingness to help others, particularly shut-ins whom she would take shopping, deliver meals to or assist with household chores. Her love for animals was evident in the special bonds she shared with her horses Lady, Gypsy, Patches, Robin and most recently with her beloved Bichon dog, Poco, who visited Janet every day at the hospital.

A skilled Scrabble player, painter and poet, Janet brought humor and sharp intelligence to everyday life. Perhaps her greatest joy came from supporting her daughter and granddaughters in their pursuits, never missing a dance class or competitive event, band performance or any number of other activities.

Janet loved reading on her Kindle, playing piano, listening to all kinds of music and helping others. She cultivated many friendships around the globe, often corresponding with friends in various languages and, more recently, expanding her knowledge of the Netherlands and Dutch through her son-in-law, Stefan. Janet's legacy lives on through her daughter, Myca van Dijk (Stefan) and her O-kids (granddaughters), Valeigh (21) and Sophia (16) Alford. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her generous spirit.

 Visitation: will be 9 – 11 Wednesday January 1, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Burns, TN.

Funeral Service: for Janet M. Van Doren will be conducted at 11 am Wednesday January 1, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Nathan Jansen officiating.

Interment: will be in the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on McCory Lane at a later date. 

Survived by: 

Her husband:

 Everett Van Doren (“Pete”) 

Her daughter:

 Myca van Dijk and her husband Stefan

Her beloved granddaughters:

 Valeigh and Sophia Alford