Obituary: Janis Jacobs Mendelson

Janis Jacobs Mendelson, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025, at the age of 69.

Janis was born in Charleston, S.C., to Melvin Tobias Jacobs and Rose Wexler Jacobs on Nov. 19, 1955. She was the youngest of four and the only girl. Janis was the apple of her father’s eye, and as children we joked that everything was divided 50:50 (50 for her three brothers and 50 for her). Raised in Charleston, S.C., Janis moved to Atlanta, Ga., upon entering college at Oglethorpe University, graduating in 1977 Janis married Mark Mendelson on Sept.14, 1986, and continued living in Atlanta where she worked writing computer code for several companies.

Janis had a love for animals. Starting in college she would have one, two, or three dogs at a time. Her other pets included cockatiels and aquariums. Janis’ creative side included counted cross-stitch, crewel embroidery, knitting and crochet. Some of her creations were epic.

She was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody, Ga., and was active in Sisterhood. She worked in the Judaica Shop and often helped with food preparation and setup for events. She contributed a significant amount of the cross-stitch artwork for the Sisterhood’s Torah Scrolls Covers project.

Janis made it a point to express appreciation to people for their good work or service. She frequently let a person’s supervisor know how well they took care of her. She was always stopping to thank police officers and fire fighters for all that they do. Countless people and groups received brownies as part of her thanks.

In addition to Mark Mendelson, her lifelong companion who provided loving, personal care, she leaves her son, Matthew (Michelle) Mendelson, and grandchildren, Aden, Alana and Audrey.  She is survived by brothers, Kenneth (Alice) Jacobs, Louis (Deborah) Jacobs, Harris (Robyn) Jacobs, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her family is grateful for the attentive care she received from the professionals at Belmont Village Senior Living of Buckhead, JF&CS Aviv Older Adult Services and Weinstein Hospice.

Graveside services were held Sunday Feb. 23, at 10:00 a.m. at North Atlanta Memorial Park, 5188 Winters Chapel Road, Atlanta, GA 30360. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, JF&CS Aviv Older Adult Services, Weinstein Hospice or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.