Janet Kay Main's Obituary
Janet Kay (Terrill) Main 82, passed away on August 13, 2024. She was born on June 17th, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Oren M. and Helen (Gier) Terrill. The family lived in Putnum City until 1945 when they moved to Davis. In 1951, they settled in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where Oren served as superintendent of schools for 28 years, with Helen as a dedicated teacher. Janet cherished her friendships there throughout her life.
Janet excelled during her high school years in Pawhuska where she was secretary of her class and a candidate for homecoming queen. A spirited cheerleader and a proud member of the Penguins Club, she embodied school spirit. It was during this time that she began dating Johnnie Lee Main of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The two were married on December 23, 1962, and enjoyed a wonderful 62–year marriage.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Janet dedicated her life to serving others, especially children. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in education in 1963, she began her teaching career. She later earned her master’s degree in 1965. Janet was an active, lifelong member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women.
Janet and John’s life together took them away from their home state due to John’s work with Boeing and other companies, but their roots remained strong in Oklahoma. They raised three children and, in 1976, returned to Oklahoma, where they settled in their forever home on a hilltop in South Tulsa. Janet devoted herself to raising her children before returning to the classroom in 1980. She taught English and Science at Jenks Public Schools until her retirement in 2000.
During her career at Jenks, Janet was a member of the Jenks Classroom Teachers Association. She served on the Negotiating Team for Jenks Classroom Teachers Association for many years, chairing the committee from 1997 to 1999. Janet was instrumental in the development and design of the outdoor historic classroom, Rentie Grove, on the Jenks Elementary campus. Her commitment to education extended into her retirement, as she continued to support and champion children through various organizations.
In 2000, Janet joined the Assistance League of Tulsa, serving as president from 2012 to 2013. Janet involved her children and grandchildren in volunteer work, particularly with Operation School Bell, where they helped outfit Tulsa’s disadvantaged children. She also served as president of her local PEO chapter and was a member of the Tulsa Women’s Investment Club. From 2016 to 2019, she volunteered with Kids University, teaching English, Science, and Art to disadvantaged children, while her husband taught CTE classes and soccer. Janet was also an active and beloved member of her church community.
Janet’s life was rich with interests and passions. She loved traveling the world with her husband, family, and friends. She was an avid tennis player, competing in a league well into her 70s. Janet was also a talented artist, specializing in oil painting and sculpting. Her works included portraits of her family, as well as scenes from her travels and Osage County.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jean Ann Simmons, and her brother-in-law, Dan Simmons. She is survived by her devoted husband, John L. Main; her son, Dr. John T. Main; of Ocala, Florida; her two daughters, Helen Main Carlton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Jonelle Lee Booth and husband Brad of Fayetteville; and six grandchildren, Caroline Booth, Parker Booth, Cooper Carlton, Chesney Carlton, Annabelle Main, and J. W. Main.
Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. A graveside service will be held at Pawhuska City Cemetery at 10 am, followed by a Celebration of Life in Tulsa at 3 pm on September 7, 2024, at Camp Loughridge, Temple Conference Center.
Janet’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to others, especially to the children she taught and nurtured, will be remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Assistance League of Tulsa in care of Janet Main
5330 E. 31st St.
Tulsa, OK 74137
(918)832-8832
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