Janet Zimmerman

Janet Stovall Zimmerman, born August 17, 1941, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 84. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure shared with family and friends.

Janet was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life revolved around the people she loved most. She was married to her beloved husband, William J. Zimmerman Sr., affectionately known as Bill, and together they built a family grounded in warmth and connection.

She was the sister, earning her affectionate nickname, to Debbie Klotzbier, Donna Whiting, and Paul Stovall Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and family bonds. She was the proud mother of five children: David Shirley and wife Debbie, Steven Shirley, Brian Shirley and wife Alysia, Joe Zimmerman and wife Mary Beth, and Lori Jackson and husband Brian. Janet delighted in her role as grandmother to nine grandchildren-Jeremy, Jennifer, Morgan, Will, Blake, Courtney, Nate, Payton, and Rylan-and as great-grandmother to Noah, Joshua, and Charlie, each of whom brought her immense joy.

A true world traveler, Janet embraced adventure wholeheartedly, journeying from Alaska to Italy and many places in between. Closer to home, she was an enthusiastic supporter of Western Carolina football and could often be found cheering on Young Harris basketball and volleyball teams. She cherished time spent playing cards and Mah Jongg with friends and loved live music, especially performances by the Gnarly Fingers, which perfectly matched her fun-loving spirit.

A Service of Celebration honoring Janet's life will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, Georgia, followed by brunch in the church fellowship hall.

Janet Stovall Zimmerman will be remembered for her determined mind, adventurous heart, love of music and sports, and most of all, her unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Young Harris college using the following link https://www.yhc.edu/give/online-giving/