Shelby Jane (Janie) Sanders Empson, age 85, affectionally known as "GranJane", departed this life on July 8, 2025. She was born on March 23, 1940 to James (Buster) and Elizabeth (Essie) Sanders and was the second of the beloved "fabulous five" Sanders siblings.
During her high school years, Janie excelled in both academics and athletics. She was a star basketball player, cheerleader, salutatorian, and Homecoming Queen. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joe. Together, they shared an extraordinary bond that spanned 66 years. They were true partners in every sense and were never apart until Joe's recent passing.
After high school graduation Janie began her career at Commerce Union Bank and later worked as a bookkeeper for Nashville Decorating Company. She was also Joe's devoted partner in all of their business ventures.
Janie was a woman of many talents. A dedicated homemaker and fabulous cook, she had an exceptional eye for color and design, was a skilled seamstress, a stylish dresser, and had a green thumb that made her flowers flourish. She was also a meticulous housekeeper — much to the dismay of her two children.
In her later years, Janie and Joe spent their winters in Naples, Florida. There, she and Joe became accomplished golfers and spent many hours with friends and family. Her grandchildren loved to visit and couldn't get enough of their "GranJane". She and Joe traveled extensively and had many wonderful times with friends from their Woodmont Hills Church Group. She will be deeply missed.
Janie was preceded in death by her loving husband Joe, her parents, sister-in-law June Empson Futrell, lifelong friends Alwilda Binkley and Gwen Doughten. She is survived by her two children, Craig(Patrice) Empson of Ashland City and Rhonda (Mark) Dodson of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren Kane, Gabrielle and Isabella Dodson of Salt Lake City and Newport Beach, CA , Trey (Joanna) and Bryant (Anna) Shearon of Ashland City , six great grandchildren Jolie, Easton, Ford, Fiona, Everly and Reason; sisters Sue Oliver-Reker of Ashland City, and Penny Hughes of Clearwater, FL; brothers James Ray (Kathy) Sanders of Barlow, KY, Terry (Susan) Sanders of Ashland City and sister-in-law Sue Empson (Channing) Workman of Nashville, TN.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her sister Sue for her devoted care. Also, to Kristen, Catherine, Cindy and Megan – her Alive Hospice team and to the staff at Vantage Pointe for their compassion, love and support in Janie's final days.
To honor the request of our mother, Janie, a family graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (donerservices.alz.org) in Janie's memory.
Active pallbearers are Tracy Oliver, David Sanders, Mark Sanders, Trey Shearon, Bryant Shearon and Levi Sanders.
Honorary Pallbearers are Bonnie Proctor, Ann Binkley, Barbara Tidwell, Linda Wilkinson, Edd and Nancy Lancaster, David and Sally Costello, Fred and Gayle Holladay, Ron and Joy Tepner.
Rest well Mom and be assured we will always remember to put on our lipstick.
Cheatham County Funeral Home LLC 615-792-2552 online condolences may be made at cheathamcountyfh.com.