Janis Rhea Moorehead age 88, of Smithville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December8, 2025 in the same town where she was born on December 15, 1936. A devoted mother, neighbor, and friend. Janis will be remembered for her deep love of family, steadfast faith, and tireless service to her community.
Raised along the banks of the K Fork River, Janis spent her childhood walking and traveling by canoe to school- a testament to her determination even as a young girl. She moved to Smithville as a senior in high school, graduating as valedictorian before attending Middle Tennessee State University, where she majored in biology. After a period living in California, where she married Robert Moorehead and welcomed her daughter, RoAnn Romines, she returned to Smithville in 1962 and devoted her life to building both her town and her church community.
For 32 years, Janis worked with Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, lending her time and leadership to multiple local committees. Her faith guided her every endeavor- first as an active member of the United Methodist women’s group and choir, and later as a devout Catholic who helped found and build St. Gregory’s Church. Her dedication led to serve on numerous diocesan committees in Smithville and Nashville.
Janis’s passions were many; learning, painting, writing short stories and reflections on philosophy, traveling, and playing golf in her younger years. Above all, she found joy in prayer and in serving others, particularly through volunteer work and cooking for community gatherings.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, RoAnn (Jay)Romines; brother-in-law, Jerry Lee Cantrell; nephews, Shannon Cantrell, and Scott Cantrell; niece, Stacey Cantrell; great-nieces and great-nephews also survive
Funeral services will be held at DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Friday December 12, 2025, at 7:PM with Bro. Terry Little officiating. Family and friends will meet for Ms. Janis’s burial at 11:AM on Saturday December 13, 2025, at Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday December 12, 2025, at 5:PM until the time of the service at 7:PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Catholic Charites Diocese of Nashville, or Friends of the National World War II Memorial, or the Methodist Church Capitol Fund in memory of Ms. Janis. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Moorehead family.
