Janet Carole Smith Whitfield, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, after a battle with cancer. She was 66 years young.

Born on September 16, 1960, in Suffolk, VA, Janet spent her life surrounded by the love of family, friends, and cherished moments by the sea. Her motto was "I'm going to Carolina in my Murano". She treasured her beach house, where the ocean’s tranquility brought her great joy.

She had a way of making holidays extra special; love-a-plenty with presents, decorations, and a home-cooked spread. She was fun-loving, gregarious, creative, and her coffee cup always matched her outfit.

Janet dedicated nearly four decades of her life to her successful career in sales and marketing. Often working with local businesses, big and small, in the Hampton Roads area. Her commitment, passion, and tenacity left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas Smith and Shirley Jean Smith. Janet is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph "J.D." Whitfield; daughter, Meagan Jeanette Whitfield; Son, Joseph Britton Whitfield (Dacia);her grandchildren, Savannah Pinchbeck, Winter Whitfield, Joey Whitfield, and Roxana Whitfield; her sister, Jo Anne Smith White; her brother, Thomas Ray Smith (Shelly); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will all dearly miss her loving spirit.

A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1PM at Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road, Suffolk, VA. Pastor Richard Wilcox will officiate. The family warmly invites all who knew Janet to join them for food and fellowship following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Janet’s memory to Cancer Research Institute or a charity of your choice.

Janet’s kindness touched all who knew her. She will be remembered with love and cherished always.