Janelle R. Love (nee Reed), 67, of Bayou George, Florida, departed this mortal world Thurs., Aug. 30, 2012 at a local hospital, surrounded by her family, after succumbing to complications related to a serious illness, which she had battled with her characteristic fortitude and an unflagging optimism that continues to serve as an inspiration to her loved ones.

Janelle was born in Starkville, Miss. and lived for many years in Alabama before falling in love with the natural beauty of the Florida Gulf Coast, where she resided for the last 30 years of her life.  During her long and varied life she held a multitude of positions from early years as a cotton mill employee, to positions in retail management, before ultimately working as a banker in Lynn Haven for seventeen years before her retirement.  Anyone who crossed paths with Janell quickly realized that she was a uniquely amiable person.  She could never pass a car in her neighborhood without waving, nor cross paths with another shopper in a store without saying hello.  Though naturally introverted, most people would never realize this as they encountered her.  She always sought and often found, the best qualities in her fellow human beings, be they strangers or kin.  The void left by her departure for her large and loving family cannot be overstated.  Her character and kindness were truly one-in-a-million, and the best that those left can do to honor that memory is to never forget the impact her incredibly warm love and generosity had on all of them.

Janelle is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Claude Love; her parents, Isaac and Ruby Reed of Prattville, Ala.; two sons, Doug Hemphill and his wife Lisa, of Crestview, Fla., Jeff Hemphill and his fiancée, Mary Combs of Chunchula, Ala.; one daughter, Robbie Winters and her husband Kirt; and one stepson, Stephen Love, all of Panama City.  Janelle is also survived by five grandchildren, Sarah Thomas and her husband James of El Paso, Texas, Kevin Winters and his girlfriend, Jessica Clarke of Tallahassee, Phillip Hemphill of Selma, Ala., Ashley Robertson and her husband Leland of Fort Stewart, Ga., and Samantha Love of Panama City.  Janelle is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Jayce Thomas of El Paso.  Other survivors include her two brothers, Wayne Reed and his wife Debbie of Selma and Dennis Reed and his wife Betty of Prattville, along with their children, her beloved nieces and nephews, and also countless loving cousins spread across Mississippi, Alabama, and the Greater Southeast. Final survivors include her dear mother-in-law, Grace Love and her sister-in-law Cheryl Love, both of Panama City, as well as numerous former co-workers, friends and her brothers and sisters in faith.

Janelle was preceded in death by her stepson, Thomas Love.

A memorial service celebrating Janelle’s life will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Bayou George Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located on County Road 2301, with Mike Ansalvage officiating. Donations and flowers are not requested.