NEWPORT NEWS — Janet Evans McAphee, 63, unexpectedly departed this earth Sunday, March 7, 2021, to enter into eternal rest. She was born Feb. 9, 1958, in Fort Riley, Kansas, to the late James Edward Spry Jr. and the late Kozue Minayoshi Spry.
Janet graduated from Denbigh High School in 1976 at the age of 17. While attending high school, she worked as a waitress for Red Lobster. Immediately after she graduated, she was placed into a manager’s position because of her hard work and dedication. Within six months, she became the general manager for Red Lobster. After her tenure with Red Lobster and because she also had a natural gift in the sales industry, she went to work in sales with Williamsburg Planation and was revered as a top marketer. With compassion, she voluntarily mentored many individuals even after she retired from Williamsburg Plantation.
Janet dedicated her life to helping people and was known for her generosity. All the while, she was a caregiver to her late mother for many years, and people would often would say, “If you saw Janet, you saw Mrs. Spry.” Even with all of her major accomplishments, she had a quest for knowledge. Janet attended Saint Leo University majoring in sociology until she had a major stroke that concluded her education. To the children in her family, Janet was known as the “Candy Aunt,” making each and everyone feel special. Our beloved Janet was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many people who loved her. Her selflessness and compassion will be greatly missed by everyone.
Janet married her first and final love, Ronald McAphee, who supported her through the end of her life.
She was preceded in death by her only child, Anthony Karr Evans Jr., who she greatly loved and missed; and her beloved pit bull companion, Essence.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald McAphee of Newport News; two brothers, James G. Spry (Charlene) and Michael R. Spry (Monica); two sisters, Joyce Price (Edmund) and Teresa Augustus (Glenn); special granddaughter, Jha’nya Finkley; beloved pit bull companion, Chino; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 13, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Masks and social distancing will be required. Guests are invited to participate in the service through livestreaming via peninsulafuneralhome.com/video.
Share online condolences with the family at Peninsula Funeral Home.
