Ms. Janette L. Ward Self

“Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1-3 Janette Ward Self departed this life to begin her eternal one on February 27, 2026. She was surrounded by family and was ushered into her heavenly home with the sweet sounds of her favorite hymn, “In the Garden.” Janette was born in Morton, MS on August 9, 1937, to Emma Lyles Ward and Monroe Ward. She received her early education from Scott County Training School. She attended Jackson State University and later received her nursing degree. Janette confessed her faith in Christ at an early age. She united with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and later Second Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for decades and remained active until her health began to fail. She served in various ministries at Second Baptist and taught the Women’s Sunday School class. She married Ray Y. Self on January 20, 1957. They were united in holy matrimony for forty-nine years and blessed with four children. She was the second black licensed nurse to work at Felix Long Memorial Hospital, the first black teller for Peoples Bank in Starkville, MS, and the first black industrial nurse at Badcock & Wilcox, a steel manufacturing plant. Janette continued her nursing at Oktibbeha County Hospital for many years. After her retirement, she worked part time in the Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk’s office as an assistant. A tireless community servant and activist, she devoted much of her time to organizations that amplified important causes to help those often underserved. She was life member of the NAACP, where she served both locally and on the state level. She served the longest term as the Mississippi State Conference NAACP secretary, holding the position for over twenty years. She also served as secretary of the Mississippi State Democratic Party. Additionally, she was a member of the Oktibbeha County Federation of Democratic Women, and an honorary member of the Oktibbeha County Training School, an organization dear to her late husband, Ray. Recognizing the needs in her neighborhood and the broader Starkville area, she made the bold decision to campaign for a seat on the Starkville Board of Aldermen. And she made history, becoming the first African-American and Alderwoman on the board. Years before that, she had blazed a trail when she became the first African American bank teller in Starkville at National Bank of Commerce. Years after retiring from nursing, Janette continued to share her expertise in the field of healthcare by serving for many years on Board of Trustees at Oktibbeha County Hospital. She also provided seminars to future nurses at Mary Homles College in West Point. Janette received numerous awards and recognitions honoring her commitment to community service and civil rights. One the most special was the Mississippi NAACP coveted Fannie Lou Hamer Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to civil rights and community service. Following the Mississippi tobacco settlement, which resulted in billions of dollars meant to fund health programs, she was appointed by the governor as a member of the Board of the Health Care Trust Fund. To cherish her loving memory, she leaves her two sons: Michael Self of Starkville, MS and Gerald (Pamela) Self of Madison, MS; two daughters, Deirdre Yvette Birts of Augusta, GA; and Sonya Rogers of Starkville, MS; One brother Albert (Yvonne) Ward of Chicago, IL; One sister-in-law, Rachel Hill of Starkville, MS; One brother-in-law Henry (Lennie) of Amherst, NY; A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Ms. Janette L. Ward Self

August 9, 1937 - February 27, 2026