July 31, 1946 – September 21, 2014

Raleigh

Janet Crumbaker Westerman, 68, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014, in Raleigh.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Crumbaker, and her stepfather, J.Wade Grubbs, of Madisonville, Kentucky.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Grubbs of Madisonville, KY; husband, Dr. Philip Westerman of Raleigh; daughter April Goodman and husband John; daughter Phyllis Fann and husband Kent; and two grandchildren, Paul Westerman "West" and Evelyn "Evie" Goodman; all of Raleigh. She is survived by two sisters, Judy Ashmore of Fort Carson, CO; Jaimie Ashby, and husband Carl, of Greensboro, NC; brother Jim Crumbaker, and wife Kathy, of Evansville, IN; stepsister Margaret Brooks and late husband Tom, of Knoxville, TN; and stepbrother Tim Grubbs and wife Jeannie, of South Fulton, TN.

Janet was born and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky.

She attended Midway College and graduated from the University of Kentucky. It was at UK where she met her husband, Phil, who was pursuing his PhD at UK, and he quickly proposed in less than two months. They married on December 23, 1972 and it was the beginning of an admirable marriage full of love and selflessness. They relocated to Raleigh in 1974 when her husband accepted a research and teaching position at North Carolina State University. The couple purchased their first house in 1975, which continues to be their residence today. Together, they have cultivated a beautiful home and garden that is always welcoming to neighbors and friends. Janet loved to cook and bake, often hosting large parties on their brickyard patio. She was fond of so many neighbors and thought of them as her family. The family enjoys attending Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where Janet served many roles including leading children's singing and a dedicated member of the Handbell choir for over 20 years.

Janet worked at Triangle Home Health and Prosthetics in the late 1980's and later began a career at North Carolina State University serving in various positions in Administrative Computing Services and the College of Textiles. She loved her co-workers and students, commonly developing friendships that lasted her lifetime. She retired in 2007.

Janet loved spending time with her grandchildren, West and Evie. Together, they took day trips to the pool and zoo, as well as longer trips to Disney World, Myrtle Beach and their favorite, Dollywood.

She took pride in her flower and herb gardens, frequently photographing her blooms as well as butterflies. She was a member of the Patchwork Garden Club for over 35 years and held numerous leadership positions. She enjoyed sewing, crafting and took pride in creating gifts for others. She was an avid reader and a member of a neighborhood book club. She loved traveling with her husband more than anything. They have traveled to almost all states of the USA including Alaska, Hawaii and several times to Europe, recently cruising down the Rhine River in May.

Janet never met a stranger and was loved by so many. She made a huge impact on so many lives. The family's wish is that you celebrate and honor her life.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26th, 6pm – 8pm in the sanctuary of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4900 Kaplan Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27th at 10:30am, also at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, or the charity of one's choice.

Published in The News & Observer on Sept. 25, 2014