Ms. Janet Latrelle O’Brien, age 62 years old of Statesboro, Ga., (formerly of Pearson) passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023, at her home, following an extended illness.
She was born December 18, 1960, in Douglas, Ga., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Willie (J.W.) and Janie Gaskins O’Brien. After graduation, Janet moved to Statesboro to attend Georgia Southern University. She graduated from GSU in 1982 then worked at Marvin Pittman lab school on the GSU campus. She then started teaching in the math department in 1984. Later in 1996, Janet became Director of the Academic Success Center. After 32 years, she retired but continued to work part-time with Student Support Services at GSU, mentoring first generation college students until December 2022. Janet loved teaching and remembered practically every student by name she had ever helped or taught. GSU athletics were her world. She attended every football, baseball, and basketball game to cheer on her Eagles.
Janet was the matriarch of her family and loved to care for them all by cooking, organizing, and keeping them all family strong. She cannot be replaced and will be dearly missed by all. Janet was a member of St. Mathew’s Parish in Statesboro, Ga. and was preceded in death, along with her parents, by her brother, Joey O’Brien.
Survivors include:
2 Brothers: Ed O’Brien and wife, Sharron of Pearson, Ga.
Mike O’Brien and wife, Galicia of Douglas, Ga.
2 Sisters: Lynn Kirby and husband, Ken of Ivey, Ga.
Renee Reeves and husband, Pete of Pavo, Ga.
Sister-in-law: Margie O’Brien of Pearson, Ga.
Several nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with many other relatives and loved ones also survive.
Funeral services for Ms. O’Brien were held Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Paul O’Connell officiating. Special readings were given by Pam Morris and Stanley Mizell. The interment followed at Holy Family Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers were: Shaun O’Brien, Jay O’Brien, Galen O’Brien, Caleb Kirby, Zane O’Brien, and Taylor O’Brien.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. at St. Mathew’s Parish Social Hall in Statesboro, Ga.
Relihan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.