During one of the last days before Janine passed away, I was cuddled up next to her in bed, reminiscing about our Gramma Johnson, who we each got a kick out of. One of the coolest things at Gramma's house was her famous candy dish, especially if it had lemon drops! But you had to wait patiently until Gramma invited us over to it. I started my story of staying overnight at Gramma's one time, where I would make up a bed on the couch. After Gramma went to bed, all I could do was atare at that candy dish of lemon drops, it was calling my name! The thought of sneaking over to it was all I could think of, did I have enough courage? Janine was smiling as I told my crime. Gramma was a loud snorer, and I got up the courage to tiptoe to the dish, shaking like a leaf. Lifting the heavy lid went well, I snagged my little yellow treasure replaced the lid and scuttled back to bed to enjoy my treasure. It was the most heavenly lemon drop ever! After I finished the confession of my crime, I looked over at Janine and she had the cutest grin and said in a soft raspy voice, "I did that once, too!" Wow, how cool to bond over the lemon drop heist with Janine!

John, We just heard and my heart breaks for all of you. It was evident from the way you always spoke of Janine that the two of you were truly IN love. I can't fathom a loss of that magnitude, yet I know that you have a strong family and will persevere. Please know that we are here if you need anything, anytime.

I found out yesterday that Janine is gone. I only found out she was ill on the day she died. Janine, you are in a better place now. John, Jonathan, TJ and Christina - I am so sorry for your loss. You must now focus on all the good times. I was the one who married John and Janine, and in turn John and Janine were Rocky's best man and my matron of honor, respectively. We would all go dancing together and it was such fun! Janine has that huge smile that can light up a room. John was smitten by her and it was obvious from the first time he introduced her to us. We rushed to the hospital the day Christina was born. Rocky would babysit the boys when they were still in diapers, and later TJ would come to the house every day after school to hang with my kids. After we all moved to Tennessee... well water under the bridge. John my prayers are with you and your children. We were best friends all of us for so long and although we have not communicated in a few years, know that our hearts go out to you and yours. We love all of you still and always, no matter what.

From the bellydancers: Janine was a part of our group for a short while, but we felt a bond with her that transcends time. She performed with us numerous times, including one of our annual benefit shows for the Gatlinburg Elks Christmas Basket Fund. This is another example of her selfless devotion to helping others. We love her and will miss her, and our prayers are with John and the rest of the family. We join you in grieving the loss of Janine, but we also join you in celebrating the knowledge that you, and we, will be joined together again with God.

Lulich Family We have had the pleasure to see John & Janine dance the nights away!! The love they had for each other absolutely lit up a room. Janine will be greatly missed. Larry & Loretta

Our prayers and sympathy to all of the family members of 'Janine'. We are friends of her parents in 'On Top Of THe World' in Ocala, FL. We have met with them every Saturday morning for breakfast for close to 2 years. We attended the wake and funeral for Janine's father, Lyle on Feb. ll, 12. That is when we met Janine for the first time. We feel 'blessed' to have met her and to be a part of her parents life. Her mother Hazel continues to meet with us on Sat. morning for breakfast. She has received amazing strength through her relationship with God. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. We look forward to meeting John when he comes to FL. In Christ, Dr. Bob & Phyllis Mawhiney 'Draw close to God and God will draw close to you'. James 4:8

I am so sorry for your loss. I prayed for all of you but know only too well the feelings of despair and helplessness that you have felt. Yesterday was the third anniversary of my fathers passing. It was a relief to me that he did not have to suffer anymore. Cancer shows no mercy and hopefully someday we can find a cure. God bless your entire family.

John,I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your precious Janine. You truly are a man of God. You staid by her side until she went into the arms of Jesus. I am truly honored that you allowed me to be a part of your life during this difficult time in your life. I only wish I could have done more. But what I am thankful for is that I was able to see a beautiful side of Janine and her love for Jesus was so perfect. She was truly an inspiration to me. She touched my heart in a way that I will never ever forget. John, you showed so much strength during this difficult time, a strength that could only have come from our Father in Heaven. You truly are a remarkable man.God bless you.

Janine and family. We pray that God will surround you with His love and care during this trial. Your faith has touched and strengthed us. Remember us when you come into the Lord's kingdom. Judy Denton

I just found out this morning that Janine is gone. I only met her a couple of times but it didn't take long to tell what a special person she was. Her sweet nature made me feel very welcome. Through Christina I can tell what a wonderful Mom Janine was. She and John have raised a young lady who is destined to make a positive difference in the world. What better legacy do we leave than our children? Hannah adores Christina and her heart is breaking for her. Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.

YOU HAVE BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR LOVED ONE. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO GOD THAT SHE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING AND HAVE COMPLETE FAITH THAT ONE DAY SHE **WILL** RETURN TO A **BETTER** WORLD UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST..."WITH HIM, **ALL** THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!

Thinking of you and your family in this most difficult of times...I just heard that Janine had passed on and wanted to let you know that I love you all and am thinking about you. Please let me know if you need anything.

We met last fall, when we took the Master Gardener class together. She obviously loves being outside in God's creation, and especially has a way with plants and flowers. This is what brought us together. What drew us as friends is her love of life, the love of learning new things and using her wonderful creativity. (She was extremely excited about working on a Christmas tree project for the MGs making the ornaments of natural materials.) But mostly what drew me to her was her smile! We were justing getting to know each other and now I'll have to wait a while longer to sit down and chat with her. Maybe she'll be one of the angels that greets me when I get to go! We already miss you, Janine!

She is such a huge part of me - from my physical appearance to my personality. I can't imagine who I would be today had she not been my mother. God gave her life so that she could fulfill her job as friend, wife, mother, teacher, and so much more. I know that when she dies, He will not take any of that away from her, but will only give her more. Her body may refuse to go on, but her soul will live forever. She will always be near me, and I will never forget her. I love you, mom. I'm so glad I was able to be the daughter you wanted me to be.

I can't begin to express how much Janine will be missed by my family. She is one of the hardest working and honest people I know. Her dedication to her family and friends has been inspirational. I will miss her smile, her sweet spirit, and her bubbly personality. She has been a remarkable witness for Christ, and even in the face of this earthly tragedy, she has continued to praise God. She will be truly missed and remembered by Carrie, Daniel and me! We love you Janine!

Janine and I have been friends for at least twenty years. I am going to miss her terribly. There will always be a big hole in my heart without her. I have been around for many things over the years. I had the honor of styling her hair for her marriage to John. I am not a hairdresser, but she was confident I was the only one who could do it. I think anyone would agree that the marriage between John and Janine has been a true love affair of twenty years. Through many of life's curve balls, they persevered. For those of you who have had the opportunity of seeing them on the dance floor, they would literally turn heads. Everyone stopped to watch. They had a magical chemistry that is seen only rarely in this world- if you are lucky. I spoke to her throughout the labor when Christina was born. She was so thrilled to be having a daughter. Being a Mother was very important to her. She spent endless amounts of time with her as a child, especially teaching her crafts, baking cookies, and doing the things only a devoted, and very patient Mother will do. She loved TJ and Jonathan just like they were her own. As hard as it is, she treated all as equals. The word "step" was removed from her vocabulary. She had extreme patience with her children. We understood each other~! Months could pass, and we could pick up the phone and start all over like not an hour had passed. She was never too tired or too burned out on me to listen. In my deepest, darkest moments she never gave up. She held me up when I couldn't barely lift my head from despair. She always knew what to say and how to say it to comfort me. Most importantly, it was never contrived. It was from her heart. We probably never had a phone call less than 90 minutes~! John knew if Janine was talking to me, he might as well forget it~! I always admired the way Janine approached everything. What she knew, she was always trying to perfect, and what she wasn't sure of, she worked hard until she got it down. She became a local karaoke celebrity past the age of forty, and she had never even sung~! John, of course, stood beside her and supported her. She loved to assemble outfits, and could transform anything from anything. Everyone loved them~! Janine and I have torn up the turf shopping over the years. I think we hit every TJMAXX and Ross in central Florida! I loved those days, of her girl visits. We shopped like expert hunters, both having a keen eye for bargains. Then we would come back, exhausted and have to drag it all out again to show each other. We would then top the night off with cocktails to celebrate. As much as Janine loved the mountains, she also loved the beach. She was the golden girl with the flaxen mane and the perfectly toned body. She worked so hard to keep in shape. She always loved the color yellow, and pink. Janine mentioned to me that she sometimes felt like she didn't have a "real title". She was referring to a college degree. As for a career, she mastered many. Janine was more than she ever gave herself credit for. She had more talent than she knew. What more could one hope for in life? I would say, "To have Janine around forever." It will take a long time for the void in my life to heal. We must celebrate her life by remembering all the happy things about her, and the joy she brought to all of us. Fondly, Lauren Lulich (Janine's ex-sister-in-law and forever friend)

You've been such a special aunt to me (more like an older sister!) whether we lived close or far apart. We have had so many great times together, but none were as special as the time we spent together a few weeks ago. Your bravery, love, faith and determination have taught me lessons I will carry with me the rest of my life. I love you SO MUCH girl! - Mouse :)

You're a friend I've known for 35 years. We've had good times and bad times; wild times and sad times over all of these years.I will always remember your love of singing. Eight tracks in the VW Bug!:) Camping and singing by the fires. Holding your hand before I left you yesterday..........Keep smiling and when its time to, let go and smile and sing forever in a better place. Please dance a polka with my dad when you meet him in Heaven. We love you, Carol & family

Where to start... Janine is actually my step-mother but I have always considered her my mom and always will. She stepped in when I was six and has been there every step of the way to teach myself, my brother & sister family values, hard work & morals that we will carry with us & cherish forever. Janine has always done her best to help others, live a righteous life and be kind to everyone that crosses her path. She has succeeded! You will always be in my heart & I love you very much.