Janet May Vanek Romans

Janet May Romans

February 7, 1945 – October 14, 2026

Janet May Romans, affectionately known to family and friends simply as "Jan," age 81, of Compass Point Condominiums in Gulf Shores, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Jan was born on February 7, 1945, in New York City, New York, to Frank Lawrence Vanek and Josephine Maria (Sloboda) Vanek. Throughout her 81 years, she lived a life marked by independence, determination, professional success, enduring friendships, and, above all, an extraordinary love for her family.

A longtime resident of Murphy, North Carolina, Jan was the proud owner and Broker-in-Charge of Century 21 Jan Roman's Realty for 39 years. Through her dedication, strong work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit, she established a successful career in Real Estate and became a respected member of the community. Her professional accomplishments were a source of pride, but it was the relationships she built along the way that made her years in business especially meaningful.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Billy Lee Romans, who passed away on May 16, 2018, at the age of 81. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frank Lawrence and Josephine Maria Sloboda Vanek, her sister, Mickey June Presley, who passed away in 1982 and her brother, Raymond John Vanek, who passed away in 2008. Both her sister and brother served in the United States Navy.

A Life Surrounded by Family and Love

Jan is survived by her beloved and only daughter, Kimberly Marie (Johnny) Romans-Lawson, of Tennessee.

She was an immensely proud grandmother to Romans Lee (Justice) Tomlinson, of Tennessee, and Taylor (Meghan) Lawson, and their 21-month-old son Cooper Jay of Louisiana.

Jan's family continued to grow with the arrival of her treasured great-grandson, Eros Graye Tomlinson,19 months old, of Tennessee. This little boy brought immeasurable joy to her life and represented another beautiful generation of the family she loved so deeply.

She is also survived by grandchildren through marriage to Donnie A. Tomlinson, including Stacie (Jeff) Krokonko and their children, Ricky, Kaitlyn, and Josh, plus grandson Donnie H. Tomlinson, all of Georgia.

Jan's survived extended family include her cousins Dee (Ronnie) Fernandez; Ronalyn Fernandez, Allen-Michael Moore and Deanna (Syd) Moore-Sapp, their son, Sylus Orion and Ron (Sheri) Fernandez, all of South Carolina.

Her survived extended family also includes the family of her niece, Deb (Barbi) Grossglass; Jeremy (Bethany Wade) Grossglass of South Carolina; Jennifer (Ian) McManus; daughters, Ellison Ray, Lucie Allyn and Emma (Austin) McBride and their daughters, Isabella and Violet of Oregon.

Also remembered among Jan's surviving family are her niece, Pat (Dwight) Stimson; Sydney Rae (Justin) Berger and daughters, Emilia Mae and Ellie Blake.

Jan was preceded in death by her nephew, Raymond John, and his son, Frankie Vanek. Her survived extended family also includes Ronda Vanek and the family of her cousin, Sue (Bill) Sloboda-West of Texas.

Family was always at the center of Jan's heart. She was enormously proud of her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many generations of relatives whose lives were connected to hers. The love she felt for them was deeper than words could ever adequately express.

A Special Friendship and a Life Shared in Gulf Shores

Jan is also survived by her very dear and closest friend, Robert "Rob" Singh, of their home at Compass Point Condominiums in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

In the later years of her life, Jan and Rob shared a special companionship built on friendship, affection, mutual respect, and the simple joys of everyday living. Together, they made their home along the beautiful waters of Little Lagoon, where life offered peaceful mornings, beautiful sunsets, and the comfort of having someone special by their side.

Their days together were filled with the little things that often become life's most treasured memories — conversations, laughter, meals at home, quiet evenings, and simply enjoying one another's company. Jan's love of cooking and baking, her enjoyment of music, and her warm presence helped make their home a place of comfort and happiness.

For Rob, Jan was far more than a dear friend. She was his closest companion, a familiar smile at the end of each day, and someone whose presence made ordinary moments extraordinary. The friendship and life they shared will remain among his most cherished memories.

Though their time together ended far too soon, the memories they created at Compass Point will forever hold a special place in his heart.

A Wish Fulfilled — One Last Beautiful Family Gathering

Of all the wonderful memories Jan created during her lifetime, one of the most meaningful came in July 2026.

For some time, Jan had expressed one very special wish: she wanted to meet her first great-grandson, Eros Graye.

In July, her wish finally came true.

With her daughter Kimberly and grandson Romans by her side, Jan was able to meet the precious little boy she had been longing to see. What began as a beautiful family visit became something even more extraordinary when a couple of her cousins arrived unexpectedly, turning the occasion into a joyful and spontaneous mini family reunion.

There was laughter, happiness, and the kind of togetherness that cannot be planned or recreated. Four generations stood together, sharing a moment that would become one of the family's most treasured memories.

Jan had wanted so much to meet that little boy, and she finally did. She was surrounded by people she loved, celebrating the newest generation of a family that meant everything to her.

Looking back, that July gathering seems especially meaningful. Jan was granted several of the wishes closest to her heart: meeting Eros Graye, spending precious time with her daughter and grandson, and enjoying the unexpected blessing of having so many loved ones together.

No one could have known then just how precious those moments would become.

For her family, there is comfort in knowing that before her passing, Jan experienced a happiness she had wished for so deeply.

A Life Beautifully Remembered

Outside of her professional accomplishments and devotion to family, Jan enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She was an accomplished airplane pilot who loved cooking and baking, especially preparing homemade treats for those she cared about. She enjoyed music and playing the alto saxophone, and she found happiness in the familiar comforts of home and the company of people she loved.

Jan's passing leaves an emptiness in the lives of those who knew her, but her memory lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the successful career she built, and the countless moments of love and laughter she shared throughout her life.

She will be remembered as a devoted mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, accomplished businesswoman, cherished companion, and a woman whose life touched so many others.

Although her passing was unexpected, Jan left this world peacefully, in the comfort of her own home, having fulfilled one of her most heartfelt wishes.

Eighty-one years may describe the length of Jan's life, but they could never measure the love she gave, the memories she created, or the place she will forever hold in the hearts of those who loved her.

Rest peacefully, Jan. You were deeply loved, and you will never, ever be forgotten.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

2103 W. 1st STREET

GULF SHORES, AL 36542

(251) 405-2601

www.wolfefuneralhomes.com