Janet "Jan" Audrey Black

Jan 23, 1936 -

Jul 29, 2026

In Loving Memory of Janet Audrey Black

Janet Audrey Black, affectionately known to so many as "Gma Jan," passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026. Born in the coastal beauty of Ketchikan, Alaska, Janet spent her formative years attending boarding school at Mt. Edgecumbe. As a dedicated single mother, she raised five children while building a 26-year career in human resources with the Anchorage School District. Janet's family was the true center of her universe. Her home and heart were always open, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren from joyful family camping trips to sunny days clam digging. To know Jan was to love her. She possessed an infectious warmth, a genuine heart of gold and a vibrant, fun-loving spirit. She cherished a good laugh, never shied away from a witty dirty joke and lit up every room she entered. She loved jumping in the car for long, spontaneous road trips down the highway. She also had a wonderful penchant for life's little thrills, whether taking her annual trips to Reno or enjoying the company of good friends playing pull-tabs at the Moose Lodge and AMVETS. Janet was reunited in rest with her beloved parents and her cherished children, Clifford Jr., Britt and Cassandra. Her enduring love and legacy live on through her sons, Randy (Marlene) and Jim (Tammy); grandchildren, Cody, Zack, Alexis, Christine, Alan, Allen, Michael and Makala; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Angela, Grayson, Angel and Steven; as well as great-great-grandson, Oliver; along with a vast, loving extended family of cousins and dear friends. Gma Jan brought pure joy, humor and unconditional love into the lives of everyone she touched. She will be forever missed, dearly remembered and held close in our hearts always. There will be a Celebration of Life for her on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at the Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Boulevard in Anchorage, from 2-5 p.m., two days after Thanksgiving. You don't have to be a member to join us. Thank you!