Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 11, 2022

CHARLOTTE – It is with great love and sadness that her family announces the death of Janet Covell Yeckley on Friday, February 11, 2022 in Charlotte, NC.  A native of Oneida, NY, Janet was born on May 2, 1924 to the late Albert and Ruth Covell and was blessed with a brother and three sisters whom she treasured.  

Janet graduated from Syracuse University in 1945 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and enjoyed a lifelong connection with several of her sorority sisters via a chain letter.  A woman ahead of her times, she followed her passion for art after college, living independently, traveling across Europe on her own, and becoming an art teacher in Long Island, NY.  She met George Yeckley through a mutual friend, and they were married on June 27, 1959, after a whirlwind courtship.  His career took them to Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Youngstown, OH where Janet served on the board of the Butler Institute of American Art.  The couple later settled in Ligonier, PA where her daughters Liza and Janet were raised and where Janet continued her career as an art teacher.  Janet became a well-known watercolor and pen and ink artist and in the 1970’s she was commissioned by the town of Ligonier to produce a series of pen and ink drawings of historical locations that were printed and sold for many years. 

After George’s death, Janet relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2001 to be near family.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a competitive bridge player and the proud grandmother of seven.

Janet had infinite love for her family and a true gift for friendship.  She was a thoughtful listener and an avid letter writer. She was a fervent cheerleader for her children and grandchildren.  And she set a precedent for pursuing one’s passion—even if it breaks the mold.  Janet will be remembered for her abiding faith, creative spirit, sharp sense of humor, competitive nature, personal warmth, and inherent kindness.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Liza Branch and her husband, Chris of Charlotte, NC; her beloved grandchildren, Claire Covell Branch, Elizabeth Kathleen Branch, Liza Jane Branch, Christopher Charles Branch, Annie Greer Hodges and her husband, Ben, Kathleen Alice Greer and Steven Mahaffey Greer.  Also surviving are her son-in-law, Steve Greer of Davidson, NC and many dear nieces and nephews.  Janet was preceded in death by her husband, brother, Dr. James Covell, and sister, Ruth Burness, and her beloved daughter, Janet Yeckley Greer, in 2019.  Janet’s older sister, Mariam Lapham whom she admired dearly passed away at the same time in Manlius, NY on February 11, 2022.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Stewart Health Center and Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their wonderful care.

A service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 6, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Janet to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 (https://www.hpccr.org) or First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.