Janice "Jan" Lewis Faw Cockerham

Janice “Jan” Lewis Faw Cockerham devoted her life to faith, family, and serving others; passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Forest Ridge Assisted Living Center at the age of 95. She was born on Monday, September 15, 1930 to the late Jonathan Eugene and Laura Alice Reedy Lewis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her sister, Zenith Roten and her husbands, Robert Faw and Truett Cockerham.

A lifelong member of Phoenix Baptist Church, she shared her musical talent as the church’s beloved pianist for more than 65 years. Her music became a cherished part of worship and a blessing to generations.

Jan found joy in her kitchen, where she was known for her delicious cooking and baking. Her famous slushy sweet tea and chocolate oatmeal cookies were favorites among family, friends, and church members alike—treats often shared with love and a warm smile.

A servant at heart, Jan dedicated many years volunteering at Ashe Memorial Hospital and Seagraves Care Center. Her kindness, steady presence, and willingness to help others made a meaningful difference to the people she met.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Forest Ridge Assisted Living and Medi Home Hospice for the exceptional love, support, and care shown to Jan over the past year. Her legacy of faith, service, and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by, her daughter, Kathy Elliott, granddaughters, Missy Elliott, Ginger Joines (Mitch) of Warrensville and Karen Ham (Matt) of Lansing, great-grandchildren, Amanda Johnson Washington (Tre), Ryan Johnson, Devon Underwood, Tyler Farmer, Jackson Ham, Autumn Farmer, Braxton Ham, Summer Farmer and special friend, Maggie Solis. 

A Celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Jackie Stone, Rev. Chris Goforth and Speaker Brian Ashley. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Monday, November 24, 2025 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and at other times at her home on Robert Faw Road in Warrensville.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to: Forest Ridge Assisted Living Center, in Memory of Granny Jan, c/o Tess Causby, 151 Village Park Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Jan was known for her quick wit and memorable sayings, often parting with a smile and the words, so it is fitting to end her obituary in the same way. “I’m glad you got to see me; if you need me, I’ll call,” a line that will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her.