Janet M. Horton

Minister Janet Horton—affectionately known as “The Goose” and later “Granny Goose” to her grands—was a woman of unwavering faith, a devoted mother, a compassionate nurse, a determined business owner, and a faithful servant of God. Her life was marked by purpose, strength, service, and love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Janet was born on December 20, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James Owens Sr. and Erline Wright. From an early age, she displayed a caring spirit, strong determination, and a genuine desire to help others. She received her education in St. Louis and proudly graduated from Sumner High School, Class of 1961. After high school, she continued her education in California, where she completed nursing school and began a lifelong commitment to caring for others. A Life of Janet’s compassion led her to the nursing profession—where caring wasn’t just her job, it was her calling. Throughout her career, she served with patience, dignity, and respect, offering comfort to those who needed it most. Her passion for helping others expanded into entrepreneurship when she became the proud owner and operator of Horton’s House Residential Care Facility. Through Horton House, Janet provided care, comfort, dignity, and a sense of home to hundreds of children in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Whether tending to a patient, supporting a resident, encouraging a family member, or offering a kind word to someone who needed it, Janet embodied the heart of a true caregiver. Janet’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a faithful member of Covenant for Life International, where she served the Lord and answered the call to ministry. Mother Janet co-labored alongside Apostle Ramona Trice in the Deliverance Ministry, serving with dedication and a heart for God’s people. Her ministry extended far beyond the church walls—her life itself was a sermon of compassion, strength, and unwavering faith. Her nursing career, her work through Horton House, her devotion to her family, and her service to the church were all reflections of her servant’s heart. Of all the titles Janet collected throughout her life, the ones that made her smile the most were her family’s funny nicknames, each one earned fair and square. She started out as “The Goose,” eventually graduating to “Granny Goose,” a name that fit her like a comfy pair of Skechers. “Big J” captured her larger‑than‑life presence, and “Big Money Grip” was the family’s loving way of acknowledging her uncanny ability to stretch a dollar, find a deal, and still make everything look good. Janet was the loving mother/grandmother, and they were the heartbeat of her life. She poured into them her faith, wisdom, and unconditional love. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Owens Sr. and Erline Wright; her son, Terrell Horton; and her brother, James Owens Jr. Janet leaves to cherish her memory her surviving children: Yolanda Davis (Timothy), Carolyn Sherrard (Frederick), Stacy Kemp-Jiles, Kalene Cunningham (Troy), Roselita Horton, and Willie Horton; her grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and great‑great‑grandchildren; her loving sister, Joyce Ferguson (John); her nephew, Rodney Jackson of Los Angeles, California; her brothers, Jerard Owens(Adria) and Byron Owens; her cousin, Florence Stewart; her special friends, Marilyn Barnes (Garland) and Alma Hunt; a host of cousins and extended family; her Covenant for Life International church family; and her extended Solomon’s Temple family. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 Her work is complete. Her faith has been kept. Her legacy lives on

Janet M. Horton

December 20, 1943 - August 3, 2026