Janet Venelle Wentz, 72

Janet Venelle Wentz, 72, of Huntersville, NC, entered into Heaven’s gates with thanksgiving and praise on November 1, 2014.  Surrounded by family and a multitude of heavenly hosts, she transitioned from earthly frailty into a new life in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She was born April 15, 1942 in  Charlotte, Janet was much beloved by her family and friends.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and often sacrificed her time to meet the needs in others’ lives.  She graduated from West Mecklenburg’s Class of 1960, and worked at the Westerly Hills Drug Store as a soda fountain attendant in her youth. A woman of many talents, she later became a secretary for Hartford Insurance Co., professional cake decorator for Harris Teeter and Bi-Lo; floral designer for Michael’s Arts and Crafts, and in her final days served as a loving caregiver and CNA to the Bossi family of Charlotte.  Janet had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing.  In her younger years, she often performed original Christian music written by her late father on the radio and at church functions.

Janet is survived by her devoted spousal companion, Fred C. Phillips; daughter, Deborah Ann Long Gould and husband, Paul of Jackson, NJ (formerly of Charlotte, NC); son, Kenneth B. Long, Jr. and wife, Pilar of Huntersville, NC and Colombia, South America; four grandchildren, Taylor D. Gould and Hunter J. Gould of Jackson, NJ, and Kenneth E. Long and Christian G. Long of Huntersville. Janet is also survived by two sisters, Joanne Wentz Walters and husband Mel of Wake Forest, NC, and Joyce Wentz Weisent and husband Dale of Cornelius, NC, as well as former husband, Kenneth B. Long, Sr., and his extended family.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Joe D. Wentz and Edna Kimball Wentz of Lake Norman; and her nephew, David Walters of Lexington, NC.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday evening, November 3, 2014 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville.  A funeral service for Mrs. Wentz will take place at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius. Internment will follow in the church cemetery.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family