Janice Carol Purnell Reed, age 54 of Claxton gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. She fought a courageous battle against cancer, never letting it define her, and always with a smile on her face. She always reminded her family "the Lord's got me!" Her faith remained strong until the end. Jan was born on March 27, 1962, in Ethiopia, Africa to William and Polly Anderson Purnell. She met the love of her life, David Reed, in 1978, and later had 3 children who were her world. Janice and David owned and operated a successful excavating business for 20+ years. Her greatest joy was her 4 grandchildren. She often said that she wished she could have had them first! She was a mother to many and a friend to all. Her life motto was to "grab it and growl."

Jan is preceded in death by her father, William "Bill" Purnell; in laws, William "Bill" and Geneva Reed; and several aunts and uncles.

Jan is survived by husband of 33 years, David Reed; children, Jessica Reed Speed and husband Michael, Joshua Reed, and Daniella Reed Gamble and husband Ben; grandchildren, Jemmalee Reed, Addison Gamble, Macy Gamble, and Houston Reed; mother, Polly Purnell; siblings, Sherry Purnell, Michael Purnell, David Purnell and wife Susan, and Lisa Kincaid; sisters in law, Kay Proffitt and Shelby Townsend; life long friends, Jack and Ida Strobel and Chuck Shelton. A host of other family and friends.

Her family will receive friends at the Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Rocky Top on Saturday, May 14, 2016, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a celebration of life to follow with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Janice's name to Cathy L. Hodges Memorial Cancer Foundation 9724 Kingston Pike, Suite 1000 Knoxville, TN 37922. www.holleygamble.com

At Janice's request, please wear bright and cheerful colors to her celebration of life.