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 officating. 

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.