Janet Lee Underwood Baird, a longtime resident of the Birmingham, Ala., area, passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at home after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Born in 1940 in Lynchburg, Janet lived with her mother, Bertha, and father, Rad, in Altavista. During her education at Altavista High School, she performed as head cheerleader and was chosen as homecoming queen. While in high school and continuing into college, Janet served as the minister of music for Central Baptist Church in Altavista.
Janet received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Longwood College. She taught elementary education for 11 years. In 1961, Janet became minister of music at Connelly Memorial Baptist Church in Roanoke.
On June 22, 1963, she married William (Sonny) James Baird of Salem. In 1972, they adopted their daughter, Creely Berie Baird (Reed). After the adoption of their daughter, Janet retired from teaching to become a full-time mother and homemaker. Janet and Sonny were married for 49 wonderful years.
Janet had many interests, including gardening, floristry, interior design and music. Up until her passing, she was an active member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. She always had a positive outlook on life and a wonderful uplifting spirit.
She is survived by her husband, William Baird; her daughter, Creely Reed; her son-in-law, Marty Reed; and her three grandchildren, Amber, Cody and Megan Reed. She is also survived by many cousins and close family friends.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Central Baptist Church in Altavista at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your local breast cancer or Alzheimer’s foundation.