Obituaries

Janet Evans McAphee

Janet Evans McAphee departed this earth unexpectedly on March 7, 2021, to enter into Eternal Rest.  She was born February 9, 1958, in Fort Riley, Kansas to the late James Edward Spry Jr. and the late Kozue Minayoshi Spry.

Janet graduated from Denbigh High School in 1976 at the age of 17. While attending high school, she worked as a waitress for Red Lobster. Immediately after she graduated, she was placed into a manager position because of her hard work and dedication. Within six months, she became the General Manager for Red Lobster. After her tenure with Red Lobster and because she also had a natural gift in the sales industry, she went to work in sales with Williamsburg Planation and was revered as a top marketer. With compassion, she voluntarily mentored many individuals even after she retired from Williamsburg Plantation.

Janet dedicated her life to helping people and was known for her generosity. All the while, she was a caregiver to her late mother for many years and often, people would say, “If you saw Janet, you saw Mrs. Spry”.  Even with all of her major accomplishments, she had a quest for knowledge. Janet attended Saint Leo University majoring in Sociology until she had a major stroke that concluded her education. To the children in her family, Janet was known as the “Candy Aunt,” making each and everyone feel special. Our beloved Janet was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many people who loved her.  Her selflessness and compassion will be greatly missed by everyone.

Janet married her first and final love, Ronald McAphee, who supported her through the end of her life.  She was preceded in death by her only child, Anthony Karr Evans Jr. whom she greatly loved and missed and her beloved pit bull companion, Essence.  She is survived by her husband, Ronald McAphee of Newport News; two brothers, James G. Spry (Charlene), Michael R. Spry (Monica); two sisters, Joyce Price (Edmund), Teresa Augustus (Glenn); her special granddaughter, Jha’nya Finkley; her beloved pit bull companion, Chino; and she had a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home and guests are invited to participate in the service through live streaming (www.peninsulafuneralhome.com/video) on Saturday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m.    Masks and social distancing will be required.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.