Janean Avon Wylie

Janean (Jan) Wylie of Benton, was born in Los Angeles, Calif. on Aug. 18, 1938 and passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014. She received degrees from USC and the California School of Nursing. For 27 years, she worked to improve the health of veterans at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. As the nurse case manager, she coordinated the work of the team members, provided direct nursing services and educated family members. Late in her career, Jan served as a community health nurse manager, making arrangements for home health care and other needed medical services for veterans residing outside of Central Arkansas or in the surrounding states. Jan retired from the VA in 1999. Jan loved dogs. She established a Silky Terrier kennel in Arkansas and became nationally known. She traveled to the AKC dog shows and finished numerous champions. Jan served on the board of directors of the Silky Terrier Club of America, a member of the American Kennel Club, during the 1980s. Jan was an athlete. She was a runner, cyclist and swimmer. She made many long distance bicycle rides. For more quiet recreation, she was an avid reader and enjoyed film. In her later years, Jan's efforts focused on the welfare of abandoned or abused dogs and cats. She affiliated with the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption and adopted several retired greyhounds over the last years of her life. She also adopted local animals that had been abandoned or had outlived their owners. Jan was a caring, committed woman who managed to do the things she loved in life. She will be missed by her friends and colleagues. A celebration of Jan's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Saline County Humane Society or Mid South Greyhound Adoption. Arrangements by Smith Benton Funeral Home. Information: 501-778-7100. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.