Merrie Janice "Jan" Anderson, age 85, passed away peacefully in her home in Woodstock, Georgia on August 24, 2026.

Born on August 1, 1941 in Canton, Georgia to John and Geneva Cummings, Jan brought warmth, kindness, and joy to everyone who knew her, including neighbors, friends, and extended family. Her bright spirit and fierce love for her family will be deeply missed. Jan grew up in the Canton faith community at Canton Baptist Church. She attended Canton Elementary and Old Canton High School, before moving to Cherokee High School when it first opened. Jan was incredibly active in school, filling all her years with cheerleading and a wide circle of close friends. She graduated from Cherokee High School in 1959.

A proud moment for Jan and her hometown came when she was crowned Junior Miss Georgia in 1959, an honor celebrated by the community with a special "Janice Cummings Day" in Canton. She went on to graduate from the University of Georgia.

Jan was the beloved wife of Ben Anderson and a devoted mother to Kristi Sumpter (Jim), Mark Dauler (Leigh Ann), Amy Ligas (Jim), Brandy Lynch (Jeff), Kelley Anderson, and Brett Anderson (Karie).

She was a cherished grandmother to Lane Baxter, Drew Napier (Chelsea), Tucker Napier (Destiny), Will Dauler (Emma), Wyatt Dauler (Blair), Olivia Wright (James), Luke Ligas (Hannah), Harper Wells (Lawren), Hayden Lynch, and Hudson Lynch.

She was also a doting great-grandmother to Kate, Anna, Austin, Owen, Sophie, Norah, James Dillon, Beckham, Wells, Carter, Jane, and Hayes.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Johnny Cummings, and her sister, Barbara Jones.

A service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held on September 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the home of Jeff and Brandy Lynch in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jan’s honor to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Please contact Amy at 770-833-9466 for more information about Jan’s Celebration of Life.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Merrie Janice "Jan" Anderson.