JANET “JAN” GARDNER GATTIS

of Little Rock, born in Wynne, Ark., in December 1939 to the late James Lee and Mildred Claypool Gardner, died February 11, 2024.

Jan graduated from Wynne High School, graduated from Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., then received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1961. She was an active member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church and then Fellowship Bible Church for over 50 years. She was a dedicated volunteer for several organizations including Friendship International, the Bargain Box, Meals on Wheels, Union Rescue Mission, Dorcas House, Stepping Stones, and the Arkansas Cancer Research Center.

Her friends said Jan had class, beauty and great charity, sharing her joy with all around her. Her family always knew Mom put God and her loved ones before herself.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 37 years, James Dean Gattis; her parents, James and Mildred Gardner; her in-laws, Robert and Vessie Gattis; her brothers, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James Gardner and Dr. Jack Gardner; her brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Gattis; her sisterin-law, Julieta Gardner; and her grandson, Noah James Gattis.

Jan is survived by her children, Steve Gattis (Robin), Cindy Gattis Thomas, Greg Gattis, and Bryan Gattis; her six grandchildren, Michael Gattis, Jay Gattis, John Robert Thomas, Belle Gattis, Lexi Gattis, and Zuri Gattis; her sisters-in-law, Mary Margaret Gattis and Anne Gardner; her cousins, Randy Gardner and Sidney Gardner Dailey; her nephews, Scott Gardner, Reed Gardner, and Keith Gattis; and nieces, Julie Gardner Smith, Julie Gattis Jeffcoat, and Libby Gardner. Visitation will be held 3-5 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 10200 AR-5, Alexander, Ark. 72002. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.