Janie Holbrook

Memorial trees planted for:

Janie Holbrook

<p><p>Janie Allen Holbrook, lovingly known as Grammy&nbsp;and Mammy&nbsp;to those who held her dearest, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at UK St. Claire in Morehead, Kentucky. She was 74 years old.</p> <p>Born on June 23, 1951, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, Janie was the cherished daughter of Merl Fair Allen and John "Sonny" Allen. A lifelong resident of Rowan County and the Morehead area, Janie’s life was deeply rooted in her love for family, faith, and her community. Make no mistake, Janie loved her life and everyone in it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>She was the devoted wife of Eddie Holbrook, her beloved partner in life and love. Their story began when Janie was in the 8th grade, and from that moment on, they built a lifelong bond rooted in friendship, faith, and deep devotion. Janie graduated from University Breckinridge School in 1969 and attended Morehead State University. She and Eddie then began their family together, building a home filled with laughter, warmth, and unwavering support.</p> <p>In 1978, Janie began an in-home babysitting service, caring for and helping to raise what many affectionately called “half of Rowan County.” Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own children to countless families in the community. She was known not only for her love and steadiness but also for her special skill — she proudly held the title of the best tooth puller in Rowan County. Every niece, nephew, and babysitting kid knew exactly where to go when they had a loose tooth — Janie had just the right touch. Janie also made beautiful hair bows, crafted shirts, hand-painted bags, and pillowcases for all the kids, adding a special touch of love and care that made each child feel cherished.</p> <p>In 2000, Janie took her entrepreneurial spirit further by starting an in-home embroidery shop with her daughter Kari. From these humble beginnings, Janie, Eddie, Kari, and Cam grew the business into a thriving local enterprise now known as Holbrook’s Embroidery Plus, a robust outreach that continues to serve and support the Morehead community and beyond.</p> <p>Supporting her children and grandchildren in everything they did was always a priority in Janie’s life. Whether she was working full-time, running a business, or later enjoying more free time, she made it a point to be present. You could always find her cheering from the sidelines — at soccer fields, baseball diamonds, swim meets, speech and theater events, basketball courts, football fields, clogging events, golf courses, volleyball courts, and even cheer, judo, and karate events. She also delighted in experiencing their hobbies like fishing, motocross, dirtbiking, boating, and camping — always present, always proud, and always their biggest fan.</p> <p>One of Janie’s treasured family traditions was Sunday Dinners at grandmother’s house, a special time filled with food, laughter, and togetherness and Grandmother’s famous Nuts and Bolts. Over the years, these gatherings remained a cornerstone of family life. She also enjoyed spending time at Grandmother’s pool with family and friends, creating joyful memories in the water and sunshine.</p> <p>She and her siblings also cherished their annual siblings Christmas gathering&nbsp;— a tradition filled with food, laughter, stories, games and the kind of togetherness that defined the Allen family. It was a time they looked forward to every year, strengthening their lifelong bond.</p> <p>Janie always loved taking her family to the annual Fair family reunions and Holbrook reunions through the years — events filled with shared stories, laughter, and a deep sense of belonging that kept the family bonds strong across generations.</p> <p>Janie also created some of the best Halloween traditions in the county. Her home on Knapp Avenue was known as the ultimate place to trick-or-treat — welcoming, festive, and full of fun. Each year, children of all ages, friends, and family would gather to enjoy the magic she brought to the season, making her house a treasured stop for generations. Her creativity and joy made Halloween not just a holiday, but a memory-making event that everyone looked forward to.</p> <p>It was never a surprise to see Janie and Eddie cruising down the road on their matching trike motorcycles, wind in their hair and joy on their faces. Janie even paint-matched the color of her bike to her signature nail color, Pompeii Purple — a bold and bright pink that had become part of her trademark look. She never turned down a chance to join her girls for a mani-pedi day, laughing, sharing stories, and always keeping her nails fresh and fabulous.</p> <p>Janie loved to eat out and explore new places with friends and family. She especially looked forward to her standing lunch dates with her loyal and fun-loving group of ladies — affectionately known as the “Goof Troop” — a tradition that spanned many years and countless memories.</p> <p>One of her favorite lifelong traditions was the day-after-Christmas shopping trip she took every year with her sisters. What began as a fun outing between the three of them eventually grew to include her daughters, nieces and granddaughters — a treasured annual tradition filled with laughter, matching shirts, coffee, and stories that will live on in their hearts. Her spirit, kindness, and love will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.</p> <p>Janie was the proud mother of four children who were the light of her life: Kris Alderman (Mike) of Georgetown, KY; Tripp Holbrook (Nellie); Kari Flanders (Cam); and John Holbrook (Sara) all of Morehead, KY. Her nurturing spirit, strength, and unconditional love shaped each of their lives in immeasurable ways.</p> <p>She was a loving Grammy and Mammy to ten grandchildren: Ty Alderman (Amanda), Audrey Holbrook-Fletcher (Martin), Drew Holbrook, Allen Holbrook (Kylie), Chase Alderman, Jacob Holbrook, Clay Holbrook, Allee Flanders, Lucas Holbrook, and T-Bird Flanders. She was also a proud Great-Grammy to Asher Alderman and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her newest great-grandchild, Sawyer Allen Holbrook, expected later this year.</p> <p>Janie had a special bond with her loving siblings: Susan Chin (Terry), Patty James (Craig), and Dwayne Allen (Kim), all of Morehead, KY. She was also a beloved cousin and aunt to many in the Fair, Allen, and Holbrook families. Her warmth, humor, loyalty, and unforgettable presence left a lasting legacy across generations and friendships alike.</p> <p>A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals in Morehead with Roger Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, prior to the services. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and great-grandchildren as honorary pallbearers.<br> <br> In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to benefit the Morehead/Rowan County community to the Janie Holbrook Memorial Fund at the Bluegrass Community Fund. Contributions can be made by check to 499 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40507 or by calling 859-225-3343.</p> <p>Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com</p> </p>
June 23, 1951 - July 4, 202506/23/195107/04/2025
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Janie Holbrook
Janie Holbrook
6 Trees have been planted in memory of Janie Holbrook.

Memorial Trees

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Ed, Vala & Nina

July 07, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Janie Holbrook has been arranged by Ed, Vala & Nina. Plant a tree
Sincere condolences to Eddie and the entire family. Morehead has lost a beloved matriarch. Sending triple hugs and much love from Florida cousins, Ed Vaznelis, Vala Fukuzawa and Nina Vaznelis.
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Eric and Margaret Reed

July 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janie Holbrook has been arranged by Eric and Margaret Reed. Plant a tree
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
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Sarah Meade & Family

July 06, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janie Holbrook has been arranged by Sarah Meade & Family. Plant a tree
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Love to you ALL.
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The staff at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Inc.

July 05, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janie Holbrook has been arranged by The staff at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Inc.. Plant a tree
We plant this tree as a living memorial to Janie. We are deeply sorry for your loss.