Janet Marie Gougisha was born on September 14, 1953 to Leroy and Maudesta Gougisha in St. Louis. She was the third born of six children. Her father and oldest brother, Jerone “Ronnie,” preceded her in death.
Janet was baptized as an infant at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church where she remained a faithful servant of the Lord until her call home. She attended St. Matthews Parochial School and graduated in 1967. She attended Beaumont High School where she graduated in 1971. While in high school, she was a member of the band’s drill team where she served as rifle guard.
Although Janet had no children, she loved and was loved by many children, and was affectionately known as “Jamz.”
Janet found her true calling as Secretary of St. Matthew’s Church. During her employment there, she had her hands in every aspect of the church’s organization: running the rectory and keeping everyone on task. Some of the other activities she was involved in included serving on the annual auction committee, bereavement committee, and preparing the church bulletin.
In 2004, she joined the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary (the largest predominately African American Catholic organization in the world). As a member of Father Zimmerman Court 150, she held the offices as the Recording and Financial Secretary.
Janet departed this life March 22, 2010.
She leave to cherish memories, her dear mother, Maudesta; four siblings: Jocelyn, Juliana Shelton (Anderson), James and Juanita; soul mate: Michael Scales; God-sister: Katherine Bennett; best friend: JoAnne King; nieces and nephews: Jerone Jr., Medester, Taneisha, Justin, Joshua, Jonathan, Qiana, Reginald, Donnell and Joslyn; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews, friends and her church family.