June 7, 2024, 87, Goldsboro —

Janet Rhodes Walston, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, her 87th birthday. Born in Lenoir County in 1937, she was the daughter of the late Ivey and Rovinne Kornegay Rhodes. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, James A. “Bud” Walston.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Patricia Walston of Goldsboro; brothers, Delbert Rhodes of Snow Hill and Danny Rhodes, of Naples, Florida; three grand dogs; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Janet was a dedicated and faithful member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro.

Janet worked for the Goldsboro News-Argus for 45 years, retiring as one of the organization’s longest-serving employees. She began her career part-time in the photography department and finished her career as a business manager. She was a member of several civic organizations, most recently the Goldsboro Host Lions Club, and was one of the first female executives to be asked to join the Goldsboro Kiwanis Club–an honor that she was very proud of. She loved flowers and gardening, worked the daily crossword puzzle in pen, was a voracious reader, and always had a smile on her face.

A service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. John Hill officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Wayne Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the friends who helped so much during her final days, as well as the staff at Gentiva Hospice for allowing her to remain in the home that she loved so much.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.