Danbury Mayor Janet Whitt Obituary
Society News – Rebellion Research
Obituary for Mayor Janet Whitt
In an era often marked by division, Mayor Janet Whitt will be remembered as a leader who united people. Janet Whitt passed away on July 19 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem at the age of 70.
“Words cannot express the shock wave that her passing has sent throughout our town, community, and county,” said Steve Shelton, Danbury town council member. “Janet was a very special person who never knew a stranger and went out of her way to make everyone feel special.”
Born in Patrick County, Virginia, and a lifelong resident of Danbury, Janet was a retired respiratory therapist and operated Whitt’s Furniture Gallery in King. She served as mayor of Danbury since her first election in 2009 and had just begun her eighth consecutive term in December 2023.
“I knew her only as an acquaintance before her election, but she became the heart and soul of our town government,” Shelton said. “I will miss her terribly and hope that we can continue the legacy she leaves behind.”
Janet was particularly passionate about the town’s annual events: the Stokes Stomp Parade and Christmas in Historic Danbury. She took great pride in planning these events, always working to make participants feel special and ensure others received deserved recognition. Last year, she honored first responders with a “Hearts of Heroes” theme and extended the recognition to the Christmas ceremony.
“Janet put others before herself in every aspect of her life,” said Gary East, Danbury mayor pro tem. “She was deeply sincere in her care for others and always meant what she said.”
Danbury Council Member Wendi Spraker noted that Janet’s generosity of spirit extended beyond her official role. “Janet loved to recognize and celebrate others. She always made sure you knew you mattered but rarely accepted any praise or accolade in return.”
Spraker described Janet as a friend with a huge heart for her family, town, animals, friends, and the underdog. “She tirelessly fed and saved colonies of feral cats and cared for scared dogs. She believed it was her duty to take care of them because ‘who else is going to?'”
Public officials throughout Stokes County spoke of Janet’s inclusive spirit. “She was always kind and had a big heart,” said Walnut Cove Mayor Nellie Brown. “She invited me to participate in her town’s events, always wanting to include others.”
This year’s parade will be bigger than ever in her honor, Brown added. “We will all come together to recognize her legacy.”
Chairman Brad Chandler of the Board of Commissioners recalled his first meeting with Janet. “She made me feel welcome to Stokes County and Danbury from the start. We didn’t always agree politically, but we had more in common than differences. Her enthusiasm and love for Stokes County were unforgettable.”
The county commissioners recessed their July 22 meeting to attend Janet’s funeral. A Celebration of Life was held at Danbury Community Church, where East, Brown, and King Mayor Rick McCraw spoke.
McCraw shared his belief that Janet would be waiting on “The Far Side Banks of Jordan” in heaven. “I am sure that when Janet arrived, Jesus said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ This is not ‘goodbye’ but ‘we will see you later.'”
Reflecting on Janet’s characteristic way of saying goodbye, McCraw added, “Janet always left me with an ‘I love you,’ so with that I say, ‘I love you, Janet!'”
Spraker, who initially found Janet’s affectionate goodbyes surprising, expressed her gratitude for having known Janet’s love. “I’m glad I learned to say ‘I love you too, Janet’ before it was too late.”
In conclusion, looking ahead, East acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by Janet. “We follow her example and try to do the very best for the town. The blessing is that we had the time we did with her. Many people go their whole lives without having a Janet in their life, and that’s truly sad.”
