Janet Lee McGraw

Janet Lee McGraw of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on September 30, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Oakland, California, to Virginia and Dennis Evans, Janet was the oldest of three children and the only sister to her two younger brothers, Denny and Stuart. She eventually made her home in Abingdon, Virginia, where she lived for more than 40 years and became a beloved fixture in the community. Throughout her life, she was known for her unwavering faith, perpetual optimism, and genuine love for others.

Her faith was central to the way Janet lived her life. As Director of Christian Education at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, she had a particular passion for sharing that faith with younger generations. Over the years, she helped nurture the spiritual lives of countless children and families, leaving an impact that will continue far beyond her lifetime.

Above all else, Janet loved her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Dean, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage, and the proud matriarch of a family she never missed an opportunity to celebrate.

The daughter of a Navy veteran, Janet was immensely proud of her sons, Joseph, who served in the United States Navy, and Nathan, who served in the United States Army. She was equally proud of her daughter, Angela Salyer, whose work as a teacher in Kingsport, Tennessee, carries forward Janet’s passion for educating and investing in the lives of others.

Perhaps nothing brought Janet more joy than her seven grandchildren. She loved each of them dearly, celebrated their accomplishments large and small, and never passed up an opportunity to tell others just how proud she was of them.

Those who knew Janet will remember her enduring optimism, her deep and abiding faith, her love of family, and her remarkable ability to find joy and purpose in the lives of those around her. Even through the difficult days of her illness, those qualities remained an essential part of who she was.

Janet will be dearly missed by her family, her church, her friends, and the Abingdon community she called home for more than four decades. Yet her legacy will endure; in her children and grandchildren, in the generations she taught and encouraged, and in the many lives made better simply because she was part of them.

Janet is survived by her husband, Dean McGraw; her children, Angela Salyer, Joseph McGraw, and Nathan McGraw; her seven grandchildren; and her brothers, Denny Evans and Stuart Evans.

A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life and faith is being planned at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon for Saturday, October 17th at 10:30am.

The family of Janet Lee McGraw is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory- Main Street Location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210. 276-623-2700