Janet Sparks Tackett, 94, of Selmer, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026. She was born October 30, 1931, in Gleason, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Marvin and Virginia Sparks.

At age four, Janet moved with her family to Allen Park, Michigan, where she attended school through her junior year before moving to Selmer during her senior year. She graduated from Selmer High School, where her lively personality earned her the affectionate title of “biggest flirt.” She attended Bethel College in McKenzie for two years, living with her beloved Aunt Francis.

On December 23, 1950, Janet married Walter B. “Papaw” Tackett Jr. Walter preceded her in death on June 15, 2022, after more than 71 years of marriage. Janet cherished her years as Walter’s wife and the family they built together, carrying his memory in her heart throughout the rest of her life.

Janet carried a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. After raising her daughters, she returned to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lambuth University and a master’s degree from Memphis State University. She fulfilled her dream by teaching for 21 years at Bethel Springs Elementary School. She was a member of the Tennessee Education Association and an honorary member of the Retired Teachers Association.

Janet was a longtime, faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Selmer, where she belonged to the church family from 1962 until her passing. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association and treasured the friendships and fellowship she found there.

Affectionately known as “Nanny,” Janet was full of life, laughter, and personality. She loved sending cards and letters, traveling, swimming, water skiing, dancing, and especially roller skating. Having learned to skate in Michigan, she was known to light up the floor in Savannah—so much so that her family remembers the floor being cleared for her. Janet never let anything stop her from having fun.

She was also gifted with a needle and thread, often staying up into the early morning hours making clothes for her daughters and herself. Linda and Karen did not have store-bought dresses until they were 15 because their mother made so many beautiful clothes for them.

Janet’s greatest legacy was the love she poured into her family. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Karen Phillips (Allen) of Hernando, Mississippi, Linda Crump (Joe) of Selmer, Tennessee, and Mary Jane Smith (Myron) of Reagan, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Stephanie Rowland Purviance (Daniel), Janet Bunch (Chris), Angela Denise Darby, Laura Beth Tull (Brian), Joe Crump Jr. (Rachel), Michael Crump, Lori Henry (Jeff), and Carrie Breeden (Joe); her great-grandchildren, Ashley Rowland, Tyler Rowland, Hunter Rowland, Sarah Katherine Bunch, Emma Dickey, Ames Crump, Olive Tull, McKenzie Bell, and Colton and Lenzie Breeden; and her great-great-grandchild, Brayden Rowland, along with her brother, Richard Sparks (Brenda), extended family, and dear friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Janet was preceded in death by her great-great-grandson, Carter Shelton.

Janet leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, handmade treasures, handwritten cards, and countless moments to be cherished. To those blessed to call her Nanny, she was a bright light, a steady presence, and a reminder to love deeply, enjoy the little things, and never be afraid to have a little fun. Her smile may no longer light up the room, but the love behind it will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.