Jan Lawley Lenz, aged 74, passed away on May 9, 2026 following a hard fought battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Mrs. Lenz was born May 15th, 1951 in Columbus, Mississippi to Payton Lawley and Mary Dowkins Lawley.
She was an amazing woman of God. She loved her family, sunshines, hiking, the beach, the mountains and traveling.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Charlie Lenz, parents, Payton & Mary Kate Lawley, brother, Ken Lawley, and nephew, James Lawley.
Survived by children Jennifer Johnson (Bruce), Jason Perkins (Beverly), step-children – Jonathan Lenz (Haylee), Matthew Lenz (Sable), Drew Lenz (Brandi).
Grandchildren – Cristofer Johnson (Rachel), Dominic Johnson (Mary Caitlin), Meagan Johnson (Jared), Austin Perkins (Autumn), Savannah Lenz and Jayden Lenz, Isabella Lenz, Everly Lenz
Great grandchildren – Ada Johnson, Eleanor Johnson, Zoey Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Aurora Perkins, and one great grandchild on the way.
Siblings – Pat Lawley (Jeanie), Joe Lawley (Carol), Vickie Ford (Mike), Bennie Lenz (Donna), Eddie Lenz (Jennifer).
Nieces & Nephews -Daniel Lawley, Tammy Reece (Dean), Jacob Lawley, Brady Lenz, Chris Lenz, Stephen Lenz, James “Jimbo” Lenz
Great Neice & Nephew – Katy Reece & Chad Reece
She graduated high school at Gardendale High School in 1969
Graduated Jefferson State College in 1977 as a Registered Nurse
Graduated UAB with a BS in Nursing and a Masters in Public Health
She was Director of Education, Director of Emergency Services, and Director of Nursing Services at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham Al
Jan retired as Chief Nursing Officer at Athens-Limestone Hospital from September 30, 2001 to June 30, 2017
She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Highway 72 in Athens Al. She served as part of the Limestone Baptist Association Disaster Relief
She was a vital part of Emmanuel’s mission team for many years, served with VBS, a Sunday school teacher and served in many other ways both at church and in her community.
Special thanks to Clearview Cancer Institute, Huntsville Hospital, and Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care
A Memorial Celebration will be held at
Emmanuel Baptist Church
1917 US Highway 72 West
Athens Al 35611
Date – 5/23/26 – Visitation at 10:00 am and a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am.
EBC will livestream service on their YouTube channel – EBC Athens
In leu of flowers please send donations to
Emmanuel Baptist Church Missions or the
Russel Hill Cancer Foundation
