Janet Kay Whitehead

Janet Kay Whitehead, a cherished soul born on November 3, 1949, in Independence, Missouri, passed away on September 9, 2024. A beacon of compassion and learning, she dedicated over 31 years to shaping young minds as a beloved Kindergarten teacher in the Fort Osage School District. Even after her retirement, the call of education remained strong, and she continued her legacy by substituting in classrooms, ever devoted to the joy of teaching.

After graduating from William Crisman High School, Janet pursued her love for knowledge at Central Missouri State University, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. The classrooms were brighter, and the futures of countless children more promising, thanks to her nurturing spirit, unwavering dedication, and passion for the art of teaching.

Throughout her life, Janet cultivated not only flowers but also connections with nature and those around her. Her garden was a tapestry of colors and textures, meticulously designed and lovingly tended, with a special affection for hostas and shade plants. An avid birdwatcher, she could discern her feathered friends by sound alone, creating a sanctuary that even welcomed a family of Barred owl to her backyard tree — a testament to her harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Janet carried a joyful heart that thrived on adventure. She embraced the world beyond her garden, relishing trips to Santa Bell Island, Florida, the West Coastline, and the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone and New Orleans, all while capturing the beauty of sunsets, lighthouses, and nature through her lens. Among her fondest memories were the times spent cruising in the Caribbean, where she swam with dolphins and stingrays, as well as her breathtaking encounters with belugas and whale sharks in Atlanta, Georgia. 

In Janet's quiet moments, she turned the pages of thrilling novels, losing track of time as authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, and Michael Crichton spun their tales. Her love for reading often kept her awake late into the night, fueled by the excitement of adventure that lay within the pages.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Whitehead, and her loving daughter, Heather Felix (Brian), who together with a vast extended family, will carry her memory forward. She was preceded in death by her dear parents, Clifton "Mickey" McDonald and Lois "Cookie" (Cookston) McDonald, who surely welcomed her with open arms in the embrace of eternity.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at The Secret Garden in Independence, Missouri. This special gathering will invite all who were touched by her beautiful spirit to come together and remember the light she brought into their lives.

As we bid farewell to Janet Kay Whitehead, we remember her as a nurturing educator, an adventurer at heart, a compassionate gardener, and a loving family member. Her legacy will forever bloom in the hearts she has touched, as the memories she created continue to resonate in the lives she enriched.