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Born in Rebecca, Georgia, in 1927, Janie grew up on a farm with her sisters Beatrice (Covington), Azilee (Whittle), and brother Thomas Andrew “T.A.” She learned to play piano from a neighbor, paying for lessons with fresh eggs she carefully held in her lap as her Father drove a horse-drawn wagon. Her lifelong love of music and deep faith began there.
By age 12, Janie was accompanying local groups at singing conventions. During World War II, she helped collect scrap metal from neighbors, this time driving the horse-drawn wagon herself. A proud graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University in 1945, she was the first in her family to earn a college degree.
After graduation, she worked at the Ashburn Peanut Company before marrying Langdon Howard “Pat” Raines in 1949. They settled in Washington, D.C., and raised five children together over 49 loving years, sharing homes across Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Music and faith remained at the heart of her life. She served as choir and music director in her churches and communities, and taught herself to play solo handbells, inspiring others through her performances and choirs.
Later in life, at 91, Janie married Ralph “Pete” Towell, Sr. They shared their last years together, tenderly devoted to one another and surrounded by family and friends.
She is survived by her children Phyllis Anne Baboyian, David Raines, Lee Raines, and Susan Ross; grandchildren Scott and Andrew Baboyian, Hillary and David “Cody” Raines, Benjamin Murray, and Meredith Raines; as well as in-laws, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by husbands Langdon Howard “Pat” Raines and Ralph “Pete” Towell; son Clark Raines; and granddaughter Katharine Anne Ross.
May we find comfort in her memory and in the music that continues to touch our lives.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Janie B. Raines on Saturday, January 10th at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
175 E. Lanier Avenue
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770 461-4313
Visitation will be from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Service is at 1:00 pm
Reception from 2:00 to 3:30 pm
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janie’s honor to Meals on Wheels, Save the Music Foundation, or Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.
Here are the links to organization websites.
Meals On Wheels
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
Save the Music Foundation
FFUMC
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