Janell Dunbar of Port Richey, Florida passed away in the hospital accompanied by her daughter on May 28, 2019. She was 61 years old.
Janell is survived by her husband, Mark Dunbar, her daughter Jaqueline Olynick and her grandson Michael Rhoades; Her sister Hilda Sheehan and brothers Ronald Jensen, John Jensen and Michael Jensen. She is preceded in death by her brothers Richard Haney and Howard Jensen; her parents Lurlie Smallwood and Hjalmar Jensen.
Janell was born on February 12, 1958 in Teaneck, New Jersey to Lurlie Smallwood and Hjalmar Dunbar. She enlisted in the United States Army on January 25, 1980 and worked as a tank turret repairer. During her 12 years of service to her country she earned the Army Service Ribbon for completing her initial training, a Good Conduct Medal for her faithful service and she earned the NCO Professional Development Ribbon 2 for completing the Warrior Leader Course and the Advanced Leader Course. She also earned the National Defense Service Medal for her service during a national emergency, the Overseas Service Ribbon for her tour in Germany and she also earned an Expert Marksmanship Badge for scoring high achievements in her shooting training. She was honorably discharged from the Army on April 17, 1992 due to an injury and received the Army Lapel Button. During her service in the Army she studied at University of Maryland Baltimore County and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She was a leading force at her work and in her home. She inspired others to never give up on their dreams and she encouraged her friends and family to always helps others in any way they could.
She separated from her husband in the year 1993 and has been focused on her happiness in life and her love for cats. After her service ended, she enjoyed living on a horse farm in Northeast, Maryland where she bred horses, raised pigs, dogs and cats. She liked going to the horse races and she enjoyed the busy life of caring for the land, animals and watching her grandchild grow up. She moved to Florida in October 2008 to be closer to her family. She will be remembered by her family for being a tough and spirited woman, who loved to travel and enjoy adventures. She loved wholeheartedly and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial service will be held on June 24, 2019 at 2 pm at Veterans Funeral Care. The address is 15381 Roosevelt Blvd in Clearwater, FL 33760. Friends and family may start arriving at 1 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janell’s life. Military honors will be performed by soldiers from the US Army and members of the VFW to salute her 12 years of honorable service. Flowers and condolences can be sent to the address above the day of the Memorial service.
What an amazing story of her life. She lived life to the fullest. May you all find peace in knowing she will always be in your heart and soul. My deepest condolences for your loss.
I will always thank Nonnie for giving me my love of reading. For always being there through tough times and teaching me how to be a strong and independent woman. I’m going to miss her more than words could ever say. And I love her immensely ❤️ Rest In Peace Nonnie
I was very nervous meeting Janell for the first time, Jacki told me how she was a very tough and blunt woman who served in the army as a Tank Mechanic. Imagine meeting a woman like this because you are dating her daughter. It went as you would expect, the looks of: i will hurt you very badly if you hurt my daughter and i don’t trust you. But over time i believe she came to love me and knew that i loved her daughter very much. We had great respect for each other and had a great relationship. I will miss going out to lunch just the two of us and hanging out.
Janell was very generous and giving and always there to help out when anyone was in need. She loved her family very much and was very close with Jacki and her grandson Michael. She loved cats….yes she was one of those cat ladies and oh my god when she visited our house our three dogs would have nothing to do with Jacki and I because Nonnie(Grandma) was here and they would go nuts and sleep with her….two Chihuahuas around her neck and a big Lab sitting at her feet.
I will miss her boldness and her bluntness, she said what she thought and didn’t hold back for anyone. It was quite an event when we were out and about in public and she spoke to people….it always made me laugh inside and sometimes out loud too. But the thing I will miss the most is my wife having her mother here to talk to and confide in and get advice from. They were not only mother and daughter but best friends also and that was so nice to witness the love they had for each other. They always had their time together like getting their nails done and going out for breakfast, lunch or dinner and nightly calls to talk and check up on each other to see how their day went. It made me happy when Janell asked about me, she did make me feel like part of her family and when she asked how i was doing it always made me happy. She was a very large part of our lives and she will be missed.
Brightest blessings Mom, we love you so very much. Your Son-in-law Randy.
My deepest sympathy to Janell’s family members and friends, may you find comfort in knowing that she is safe in Almighty God’s memory. Revelation 21: 3, 4
Rest in Peace little sister. You will be missed.
I met cousin Janell only once as my main contact with Aunt Lurlie’s family has been Janell’s sister Hilda. May all of Janell’s family and friends find comfort knowing that she no longer suffers but is basking in the warmth of God’s love. Phyllis
Well it’s been 18 months now since you have passed, I think of you often Janelle. You had such a sense of humor that would scare the dickens out of someone that didn’t know you! I was your nurse and I thought the world of you. I miss not seeing you but I know I will see you again! 💗