Janie Drew Bender

Janie Drew-Bender was born on November 1, 1941 in Varnado, LA to the late Helen Foster-Alexander and Issac Drew. 

She attended public schools in Jacksonville, FL and received her high school diploma in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Seeking to enhance her life and that of her children, she attended Broward Community College in 1972 and obtained a degree in Computer Programming.  She was employed by the popular Little Palace Restaurant on 6th Street in Ft. Lauderdale while pursuing her college education.  Janie had a successful career with Travelers Insurance Company in Plantation, FL where she held the position of Casualty Property Automotive Claims Analyst.  She retired in 1997 after 23 years of dedicated service.  Shortly thereafter, Janie realized that retirement was not for her and she accepted employment with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department and later the Broward County Public School system. Continuing her education, Janie received certificates of completion that enabled her to work with various computer application software programs. She also received a Nail Technician certificate.

Having an abiding love for her family, Janie returned to Jacksonville in 2006 to care for her ailing mother and to be close to her grandchildren.  Following her mother’s demise, Janie pursued volunteer opportunities with the Jacksonville Urban League, Supervisor of Elections Office, Aging True Community Senior Services and the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department and positively impacted the lives of all she met.  She loved the Lord and found joy worshipping her Father in her home church, Abide in the Word Ministry.

Janie departed this life peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2019 surrounded by her loving children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Foster-Alexander and Issac Drew; sister, Linda Alexander­-Sapp; and grandson, Vernon Rogers.

Janie leaves to cherish her loving memory four devoted children, Kim Clark (Earl), Helaine Jones, Gretchen Rogers and Jeffery Rogers (Cassandra); beloved sibling, Carolyn Barney, Larry Alexander (Pat), Dwight Alexander and Karen Simmons; grandchildren, Tara Rogers, Nikki Rogers, Darrell Brown, Sedrick Rogers, Bobby Clark, and Kenya Clark; great-grandchildren, Denard Wyche, Nicholas Rogers, Vernon Rogers, Jr., Kaleigha Hammond, Keyon Rogers, Eden Turner, Brooklyn Turner, and Danielle Wheaton; and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including, Annie Ruth Simon, Cherry Bynes and Juanita Pringle.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the family.

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