Janet Kay Irwin

Janet Kay Irwin passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 20th, 2024, after a 6 year battle with breast cancer. She was born in Little Rock, AR, the youngest of 3 siblings, to parents Paul and Pat Lewis (nee Brown). She grew up a talented softball player, cheerleader, and horseback rider. She graduated from Mills High School in 1980 with friends she would keep for a lifetime.

She married Tracy Irwin in 1981 and they were blessed with 3 children of their own, including a set of twins. They built a beautiful life in Heber Springs, AR, where she was a stay-at-home mother, a Sunday School teacher, and the financial manager for the family’s several business ventures. When her children left home, she began working as a home health care aid, caring for and forming deep friendships with people in their last years of life. She eventually returned to Little Rock, where she enjoyed her time outdoors including fishing, boating, and landscaping. She also found great joy in her role as a grandmother. 

Throughout her life, she was fiercely independent and honest no matter the circumstances. She loved her friends and family ferociously, and would fight to protect them. She was a strong and courageous woman, and anyone was lucky to find her on their side. In dark times and in light, she was filled with the Holy Spirit, and walked close with the Lord all of her days.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, Paul Lewis, and her brother, Mark Alan Lewis. She is survived by her mother Pat Duncan, her sister Terry Lewis, her children Kristen Irwin, Brooke Irwin, and Taylor Irwin, and two grandchildren, Lysander & Nestor Panaretos. Janet is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.

A graveside service will be held at Woodson Cemetery at 4pm on June 29th, 2024. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 6pm, held at a beautiful cottage in a pecan orchard located at 14014 AR-161, Scott, AR, 72142. All are invited to help celebrate her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com