Janice Burt Paty

Janice Burt Paty, 90, known and loved as Jan, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Friday, January 30, 2026. Jan was born in Philadelphia, MS, to Bill Cook Burt and Marguerite Rebecca (Hughes) Burt on October 13, 1935. After living in Clara, MS, Jan moved to Louisville, MS, when she was about 11 years old. Her life would never be the same after she saw Bob Paty on the first day of school in 7th grade. She told a friend sitting next to her, “I’m going to marry him”. They dated each other while attending Louisville High School and graduated in 1953. Jan graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in June 1957, with a Bachelor of Science. Throughout high school and college, Jan designed clothes and described her unique, artistic visions to her seamstress, Miss Velma. She aspired to be a fashion designer but lacked the ability to convey her ideas to paper. Jan carried her love for fashion throughout her life and always let her creativity shine through her wardrobe. She received compliments from people wherever she went about her style and eye for fashion. Jan worked in New Orleans for a short time after graduating college. She stuck to her 7th grade belief and went on to marry Bob Paty in November 1957, who had joined the Navy. After a brief stay in Corpus Christi, TX, the married couple embarked on a journey to Japan, where Bob was stationed. Marrying into the military meant embracing a life full of travel and new experiences, which is exactly what Jan was ready to do. Living in Japan sparked Jan’s love for Japanese culture and a strong appreciation for Asian art, design and food. Their first daughter, Sharon, was born while stationed there. Jan loved to travel and she and Bob took every opportunity to travel throughout Japan and neighboring countries. In 1961, Jan and Bob returned to Corpus Christi, TX. The couple then moved to NAS Quonset Point, RI, where their second daughter, Caprice, was born. The life of a military spouse was challenging. Jan was often the sole person managing the household and relocations. She quickly made each house a home. Jan also hosted wonderful events and soon became known for her culinary skills, attention to detail and hospitality. Their last military move was to Lexington Park, MD, when Bob was stationed at NAS Patuxent River, MD. Jan embodied commitment and strength as a Navy spouse, continually supporting her girls and Bob with unconditional love. In the fall of 1967, Bob transitioned from the military to American Airlines. Jan moved with her daughters for a brief stay in Louisville, MS, and then joined Bob in Irving, TX. By January 1968, they were living near Buffalo, NY. Jan and Bob always loved the Maryland and Virginia area and decided to make Northern Virginia their home in the summer of 1969. Jan began substitute teaching during the early 1970s. She went back to school to obtain her teaching certificate. In 1973, she began teaching first grade at Sudley Elementary in Manassas, VA, and taught there for several years. She loved teaching and making an impact in the lives of her students. Jan was selected to be a member of the Washington-Tokyo Women’s Club which promoted connection between the United States and Japan through social activities in the Washington, DC, area. Her experiences in Japan gave her a long lasting love for Japanese people and their culture, which she continued to share with others throughout her entire life. Jan and Bob’s relationship was anchored by their shared love of travel and adventure. They experienced the wonders of the world from African safaris to the pyramids of Egypt, as well as river cruises in Europe and the US. They spent time in Australia and New Zealand, and loved traveling throughout Asia. She and Bob also spent winters in Vero Beach, FL, and enjoyed time with their friends. Jan’s philosophy for living a long life was to plan trips so that you always have something to look forward to. It certainly worked for her. In her free time, Jan enjoyed playing bridge with a very competitive spirit. She also liked to garden and was an avid reader. Jan had a passion for watching sports, especially golf, football and the Olympics. Her favorite time of day was in the evening sitting on the deck with Bob enjoying nature and talking about the day together. Jan loved spending time with her girls, and thought of her son-in-laws as her sons. She also thought of Mike Burt, her nephew, as a son too, and embraced his family as her own. She adored her grandchildren and cherished her friendships. She was a great hostess, a good listener, and made family and friends feel treasured and welcomed. Jan navigated life with a bold, resilient personality, unwavering love and care for her loved ones, and a never-ending sense of adventure and curiosity. Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles (Bob) Paty; her parents, Bill Cook and Marguerite Burt; and her brother, Hughes Burt. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Monar (Curtis) and their children Kayci and Jake; her daughter Caprice Black (David) and their children Dawson and Campbell; and Hughes Burt’s son, Michael Burt (Stephanie) and their children Natalie and Ethan. Jan’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She grew up in small Mississippi towns and went on to see and experience the world. She lived an incredible life with her soulmate Bob and together made every effort to enjoy everything life had to offer, big or small. We should all be so lucky to live a life like Jan. Visitation will be held on March 3, 2026, from 6pm - 8pm at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA. Funeral service will be held on March 4, 2026, from 11am - 12pm at Pierce Funeral Home. Burial at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico on March 4, 2026 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Sudley United Methodist Church P.O. Box 96 Catharpin, VA 20143 www.sudley-methodist.org Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church 3755 Highway A1A Vero Beach, FL 32963 www.cbtsumc.org

Janice Burt Paty

October 13, 1935 - January 30, 2026