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Celebrating the life of
Janet Irene Bond Goggans Chester
June 06, 1932 - October 20, 2024
Janet Irene Bond Goggans Chester was born on June 6, 1932 in the small town of Greensboro, Georgia. She died peacefully surrounded by her family, October 20, 2024 in Marietta, Georgia.
It was on the campus of the University of Georgia where Janet met her future husband, Major William Gary Goggans, Jr., and father of her three children. After being a widow for 13 years, Janet married the Reverend James Wheeler Chester, and they remained married until Rev. Chester’s death in 2018.
Mrs. Chester was an exemplary elementary school teacher for decades who had a special place in her heart for struggling learners. One of her core values was the belief that education is the best gift we can give all children of the world. She practiced this belief every step of her journey in the classroom and the world. She served her community in every place she lived. She loved music and was always ready to sing and could always be found looking for something to read, especially on gardening or travel, two of her favorite pastimes.
She is preceded in death by her parents Irene Nelson and Jones Turner Bond; her sister Alice Nelson Bond Caldwell, and her brother Dr. Charles E. Bond.
She is survived by her three children (Gary Alison, Steven Mark (Karen), and Julie Ann), three grandchildren (Margaret Elizabeth (Jeremy Shearer), William Gary Goggans, III (Melanie), Katherine Bond Goggans, and one great granddaughter (Eleanor Jane Goggans).
Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The Funeral Service will follow beginning at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Rob Grotheer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that you consider a donation in Janet's memory be made to Hospice, Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, Live Oaks Public Library, Duet Kids.org or a music education program for children of your choice.
Alison, Mark, and Julie, l am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mama. She was kind and giving with a beautiful heart. Her life has peacefully ended, but her love for each of you will live on in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Deborah Whitehair, Cumming , Ga
A candle has been lit!
Julie, my deepest condolences. You mom was an amazing 4th grade teacher and one of my grade school favorites at St. Paul's. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Donald.
- Donald Martin Jr, Savannah, GA
Janet was known for being sweet, gentle and kind. There was also also great strength and wisdom in that kindness. I will talk with Alison, Mark and Julie with demonstrations, memories, of resulting actions. She was also chic, intellectually curious, and pragmatically competent to raise her three children alone after the tragic loss of their father. In her second marriage, she was an empathetic, supportive pastor’s wife. When I was a widow with a small child a thousand miles away from my family, she made me part of hers. Alison, Mark, and Julie, see the letter. I wrote her when Jimmy died. I love you. Patgillis
- Pat Gillis, Statesboro, Georgia
I am so sorry I missed the service. Your mom was one of the finest ladies I have known. My prayers are with your family .
- Nancy Wittfeld Montford , Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to have to miss the service and gathering for the wonderful Aunt Janet. We will miss her so much. What a sweetheart she was!
- Judith Glixon , Lexington , MA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 11:30AM until 12:30PM on Sat, October 26, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Funeral Service
- 12:30PM on Sat, October 26, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Burial
- on Sat, October 26, 2024
- Forest Lawn Memory Gardens
-
315 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404