Janet Lynn Deal Marx

January 15, 2026

Janet Lynn Deal Marx was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on February, 26th 1960, to Reginald and Martha Deal. She attended Lincolnton High School and graduated in 1978. She continued her education at Appalachian State University, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in the arts. On Halloween night in 1978, Janet met Robert Lawrence Marx serendipitously at a college party. They were married in Boulder, Colorado, on November 24, 1984, and celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in 2025. In Colorado, Janet and Robert became outdoor enthusiasts and enjoyed hiking and skiing. Long walks were a tradition that remained an ever-present source of joy and peace in her life. 

Janet always had a deep appreciation for the arts, beginning when she was just a young girl. She lived out her passion through oil painting, drawing, the loom, and papermaking. Janet was a prolific artist whose vibrant paintings currently fill the homes of many of her loved ones. She was generous in sharing her fervor for art and introduced many youth to the creative world as an art educator at Spirit Square and later as a docent at the Mint Museum. Throughout Janet’s life, she dedicated herself to helping others. She worked as a pre-school teacher at Open Door School and volunteered often. She was always looking for ways to positively impact our community. 

She built her dream home with Robert in Charlotte, North Carolina 32 years ago where they raised their two daughters, Emily Catherine Marx and Olivia Spring Marx. Janet planted a garden oasis and curated a beautiful home with bold colors, unique furniture, and antique treasures. 

Janet is survived by her father, Reginald Deal; her brother, Roger Deal; her husband, Robert Marx; and her children, Emily Marx (Nadia Bajwa) and Olivia Marx (Connor Noone).

The family extends a heartfelt appreciation to all the caregivers (Rayann, Shaquala, Isi, Raven L, Raven M, Shana, Emari, Tricia, Allison and others) who gave Janet dignity and provided support during the final stages of her battle with dementia. A special thank you to Tuffy for providing care during her last two years of living at home and helping during a time when we needed it most. 

A celebration of life will be held on January 29th at 2:00PM at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte located at 234 N. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BrightFocus Foundation (Alzheimer's Disease Research Program).

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.

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Comments

  • Laura Buford

    The Marx have been like a second family through my late husband, John. Janet is a loving, gentle, kind soul. You are soaring beautifully on the other side with your loved ones and John. I know you are missed greatly. Our job is to try to find meaning and happiness on this side knowing you are happy once again on the other side. Much love, family, Laura and Claire

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  • Wanda k king

    You will be missed. Prayers to Robert and the girls. She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. She has a great smile and laigh for all.

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  • Erin Beitel

    I met JL through Olivia in 2015. Her love for her family and the arts was infectious and she never passed up a chance to talk about her girls. She was the sweetest mama bear anyone could have asked for and her loss will be felt forever. Even after the horrible disease had taken her words, her kindness and sweet nature radiated through her smile and little giggles. You are so loved JL and I will treasure the days you spent with Liv at our apartment. Thank you for raising such an amazing woman whom i call my forever best friend and sister. My deepest and most sincere condolences to RL whose love for her still shines through him and will forever.

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  • Bob Krebs

    Though I never met Janet, I knew Robert from our time at Memory & Movement, Caregiver sessions.
    She seems to have had a wonderful life with him and family.
    I now have Tuffy spending time with my wife, thanks to Robert recommending her.
    God bless the whole family!

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  • Samiullah Bajwa

    Farida and I knew her through her daughter Emily, and her paintings , we briefly met Janet in Mexico, by then her dementia had taken over, despite that we were touched by her smile and expression of love through her beautiful eyes filled with love and warmth.
    We extended our sincerest condolences to Her entire family and specially to Emily and Olivia for losing their young mother. Our prayers are with all of Janet’s family. May Janet’s soul rest in peace she will be missed.

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  • Joan Jungbin L.

    My brief in-person interaction with Janet was dancing with her at Emily & Nadia’s wedding in CDMX. It was such a joyful night full of dancing and laughter. I also was lucky enough to see her art, particularly the beautiful piece in Emily & Nadia’s guest room. It is a gorgeous reflection of the vibrant artistic relationship Janet had with color and natural themes such as water and fluidity. I am honored to be friends with Emily, a living testament to Janet’s love, curiosity, and joy.

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