Janet Elizabeth Mccurry

Janet Elizabeth McCurry (née MacDonald), treasured wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, met her Savior Jesus Christ on July 13, 2024 at the age of 89. Born in Elgin, Illinois, on June 29, 1935, Janet was the first of two daughters to Dr. Charles Riley and Agnes MacDonald.

A gifted and self-taught organist, Janet began serving as a church organist at the young age of 16. Her deep faith in Jesus Christ, professed at the tender age of four, became a cornerstone of her life. Janet was a dedicated scholar, graduating as the valedictorian of her high school class. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, in 1957. Janet found great joy in teaching elementary students, with a special focus on educating the blind.

In 1957, Janet married William (Bill) McCurry, and together they embarked on a journey of love and service. They were blessed with five children – two sons and three daughters. In 1964, Janet and Bill moved to the Philippines to serve as missionaries, returning to the United States in 1970 to continue their mission at the Hoopah First Nation Reservation in northern California. From 1971 to 2003, they resided in the greater Redding, CA area, where Janet shared her musical talents as a church organist and private piano teacher. She also devoted herself to teaching women’s Bible studies, nurturing the spiritual growth of many.

In 2003, Janet and Bill relocated to Silver Creek, WA, and in 2012, they made their final move to Orlando, Florida. Janet’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to her family and community.

Janet is survived by her beloved sister and best friend of 83 years, Margaret MacDonald, her devoted husband of 67 years, Bill McCurry, and their five children: Kevin (Joanne), Diane (Greg) Dekker, John (Maureen), Kelly (John) Chesnut, and Kristy (Chris) McCurry Gray. She also leaves behind a loving legacy of 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. Janet’s life was a faithful reflection of her service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held on Friday, July 19 at Good Samaritan Church in Kissimmee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators. Click here to contribute.