Evelyn Jeanette "Jan" Arnett

Evelyn Jeanette “Jan” Arnett, age 79, of Douglas, Georgia was surrounded by family as she became absent from her body and present with her Lord on Monday, February 8, 2021 following an extended illness.

Jan is the daughter of Hubert and Audrey Shelby who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her sister, Laverne Shelby Flynn and her brothers, Chester and Thomas Shelby.

She was very involved in the nurturing care of her grandchildren. Before that she spent many years as an optician working in the optometry office named after her. Jan Optiks was owned by her and her husband, Dr. James D. Arnett who also preceded her in death.

She spoke fondly of the thirty plus years that she volunteered in the church nursery at Douglas First Baptist Church. She used her gifts of love to help there until her health prohibited it.

Jan is survived by: her children, Danny (Randi) Arnett of Cumming, Georgia, David (Kim) Arnett of Douglas, Georgia and Denise (Jerome) Burkett of Douglas, Georgia. Her grandchildren, Ben Arnett, Jack Arnett, Emma Arnett, Abbey Arnett, Bethany Arnett, Levi Dees and Chase Dees and her great grandchildren, Madilyn Brown and Malachi Dees. She is also survived by her nieces, Wanda Kelly and Wendy Knight.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 1pm until 2pm at Douglas First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Douglas First Baptist Church with Dr. Don Hattaway officiating. Interment will follow at Douglas City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Levi Dees, Chase Dees, Jack Arnett, Jerry Perkins, Tim Arnold and Andy Vickers.

Musical selections will be “Just As I Am” sung by Gayland Collins with Marsha Gilliard on piano. Marsha Gilliard will play prelude and postlude music.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ministry of JBM Outreach, Inc. which addressed homelessness, addiction and discipleship. JBM Outreach, Inc. 111 Bowens Mill Rd. Douglas, Georgia 31533.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.simsfuneralhome.org.

Sims Funeral Home, Douglas, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Due to COVID-19, Sims Funeral Home Inc. will require all guests and attendees to wear appropriate medical grade face-masks and maintain social distancing at all times while visiting our facility, and highly encouraged at our services outside of our facility.  Masks are not provided.

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