Janell M. Bumpus

Bumpus, Janell M.

a young 78 year old, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2018 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, under the care of dedicated and kind neurosurgeons, trauma and cardiac care doctors, nurses, and specialists. Janell was born on May 28, 1940 to Mildred and Lewis Pfitzmaier in Jackson, Michigan. She was one of five children -Charles (Pat) Pfitzmaier, Marilyn (Richard) Allen, Elaine (Paul) Whitney, Marjorie (Robert) Dittis. She was married to her one true love, Thomas Bumpus, and they had three children, Janeen (Bill) Bush, Thomas James (Sherry) Bumpus, and Joel Bumpus. She was preceded in death by her mother and dad, husband, very special brother and two very special sisters. Despite the passing of her husband in 2000, Janell lived a very full life as a proud parent, grandparent, aunt, great aunt, and sister, daughter spending quality time with Marilyn, Marjorie and Elaine as well as her brothers and sisters in law, Charles and Joan Bumpus (Stockbridge), and Robert and Jan Bumpus (Wausau, Wi.). Her mother-in-law, Doris Young was also very special to her and lived until 2007.  She cherished her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. They were ALL very special to her and she loved them. Janell also valued many lifelong friends in her church and her work.

Janell valued her work and was extremely dedicated to both Jackson Public Schools and St. John's United Church of Christ, Jackson, Michigan. She was employed and put everything she had into her work as a master educator and church elder, senior and youth choir director, committee(s) leader and member, church school leader and mentor and friend. As an educator, she valued every child and helped others to recognize the potential and opportunity for ALL. As an elder and leader in her church, she humbly cherished her relationship with God and the need for her faith to be strong in good times and especially during struggles. Her ability to listen and be patient, to forgive and offer unconditional love was ALWAYS her expectation. Janell loved music and shared her vocal talents in the choir, with many over the duration of her life.

Janell M.Bumpus was a very proud grandparent of Noah, Connor and Spencer Parker Bush, and Sydney, Matthew, Christian and Alexander James (AJ) Bumpus. Her passion for their academic, athletic, musical, and playtime opportunities (July Mackinac Island Family trip and MSU Football games 40 plus years) was evident in her very active participation and interest. She lived for each moment to celebrate their successes and provide encouragement and unconditional love when they were challenged.

Janell achieved many great successes in her full life including but not limited to the following: Diploma from Jackson High School in 1958 with Honors, Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Music and Masters of Arts in Education, both from her highly regarded Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. Go GREEN. Michigan State University is where she met and fell in love, on a blind date, her wonderful husband, Tom, for over 36 years. Their love and laughter was a true model for her children and grandchildren.

Janell began teaching for Jackson Public Schools in 1962, retiring in 2010, but continued to tutor. She provided a quiet but strong, loving presence in everyone's life and taught us invaluable lessons until the very end of her life on earth. Her favorite phrases, "It's all good" and "Let it go" represented how she lived her life: Always being hopeful, never giving up and never keeping score, demonstrating kindness, love and patience with every step.

A visitation will take place at Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 North Blackstone, Jackson, Mi. on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 801 S. Mechanic St. Jackson, Michigan, with Pastors Jay Cummings and Dan Kidder-McQuown officiating. Private interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family wishes to extend appreciation for the support of the hospital staff, and friends and family who made every effort to provide their love and concern for Janell and her family.

Janell Bumpus valued EACH person in her life and made them feel important and special.

Contributions in Janell's memory may be made to Cascades Humane Society, Jackson Public Schools or St. John's United Church of Christ.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 128 years