Janice “Jan” Kay Gibson

Janice “Jan” Kay Gibson, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully after a short illness on September 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 71.

Born on May 4, 1954 in Abilene, Texas, Jan was the third of four children of Wayne Edward “Eddie” Gibson and Peggy Riechoff Bryant. Jan spent many of her early years living with her grandmother and her siblings in Texas, making up some of her fondest childhood memories. Her grandmother shared her passion for gardening, which instilled in Jan a love and lifelong interest in nature and adventure.

From a young age, Jan had a love of and talent for writing poetry. She went on to become an artist, painting and creating memorable pieces of art that are valued by all who are lucky enough to own them. In 1980, she formed Moral Hazard, one of the first openly lesbian bands in Atlanta. She wrote original lyrics and music and was the lead singer of the group.

Jan’s greatest joy and love in her life was her daughter, Catherine. In the late eighties, Jan and her long-time partner, Judy, decided to start a family together. Although Jan and her partner eventually divorced, they remained very close, raising their daughter, taking care of each other, and celebrating every important life moment together as a family.

She was known for her kindness and creativity, helping others, always finding a song to sing for any situation, and making sure everyday moments were filled with joy and love.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine (David), her best friend and co-parent, Judy (Fred), her siblings, Jill, Terry (Ken), and Tony, her nieces and nephews, her mother, Peggy, her half-sister, Billie, and her beloved animals, Austin and Trouble. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mildred, her father, Eddie, her stepmother, Dorothy, and her half-sister, Lisa. She leaves behind not only cherished family, but also countless friends who were touched by her presence.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Remedy Vet or the Atlanta Humane Society.