Janet J. Lockwood
Janet Jordan Lockwood (October 19, 1940 – December 30, 2024)
Janet was, simply put, “a force of nature.” Born Janet Carolyn Jordan on October 19, 1940, to Thomas and Pauline Jordan, she was raised in Portland, Michigan, along with her younger sisters. Married to Thomas Lockwood in 1962, she had two children, Matthew and Eric, and later moved to Geneseo, Illinois. She and her sons moved to Lansing, Michigan in the summer of 1972, and that’s when the fun began.
Janet was an avid community theatre advocate and actress in Illinois and that passion bloomed in the Lansing area, as she found a creative home at the Okemos Barn Theatre. She played many roles there, and forged friendships that last to this day. Jan found employment in the Michigan Senate, as office manager for the brilliant if notorious Senator Basil W. Brown. And there, in the political arena, she made yet more friends. Earning Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from Michigan State University, she found more roles in state government until she landed, curiously at the start of the Engler administration, in the role of Director of the Michigan Film Office.
She served as Director for over 19 years, the second longest-serving Film Office director in the country. She built the film office into one the best in the country, and earned high praise and accolades along the way, making lasting alliances and friendships. To quote a friend of hers in the industry, “she was a champion of the Michigan Film Incentive when no one would listen, until they did.”
Her love of theatre continued with the many activities and roles she played at the Riverwalk Theatre in Lansing. From acting, to her work on the board, helping with judging, working concessions and almost anything they asked of her, she enjoyed every minute of it.
She adored horse racing, and always treasured the times she spent at the Pasadena area racetracks with her son, Matt. She enjoyed driving fast, and was an excellent driver at that, despite taxing the nerves of her friends. She loved cats, London – and her dear friends there, hot fudge sundaes, and all things to do with theatre and movies. Jan enjoyed shopping to no end, collecting curious art, scarves, purses, jewelry, and first-edition books.
A champion for causes she held dear. A role model and mentor to women throughout her life. Perpetually unapologetic for being late, but always worth the wait. As someone she admired put it, “She was one of the good ones.”
To those who knew her, we can all agree she is not easily forgotten. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and a true and most excellent friend to so many. A passionate advocate for Democratic issues, she took comfort in the end that she would not have to bear another four years of Trump.
Janet died early Monday morning, December 30, 2024, at Sparrow hospital. She is preceded in death by her mother Pauline, and her father Thomas. She is also preceded by her son, Matthew, from whose sudden death in May of 2023 she never truly recovered. She is survived by her son Eric, his wife Cindy; her grandchildren Alex and Audrey, and step grandchildren Jenny, Dani, Beth and Tara, as well as great-grandchildren Ella and Henry. She is also survived by her sisters Anne Horn and Linda (David) Luginbill, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI 48933. Please come and share your memories.
Please consider a donation to the Riverwalk Theatre or the Capital Area Humane Society in Janet’s memory.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
7 Messages to “Janet J. Lockwood”
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Nicole Good
January 18, 2025 at 10:33 amWhat an absolute joy to have Mustang Janet in my life. We were neighbors for four years, I did housework and tree maintenance for 25 and we were friends for 35.
From calling the police during my loud-ass party (Yes dear, always knew it was you) to spending hours gardening together.. You were waiting outside when we brought baby Cyrus home from the hospital. You were not at all thrilled when we moved… as you anticipated new neighbors (but were so pleased when you got to know Diane!)
I only met Eric but loved hearing stories about both of your sons and grandchildren. It was obvious how proud and in love with them you were.
Your tone, diction and turn of phrase, so very distinct. Never quite got my ‘Jan’ impression down. It’s just not fun quoting you without ”your voice”, so I’ll keep trying. And thanks for being amused when I practiced in your presence. Didn’t know if I was gonna get away with that. Ha
“Oh you really think that’s funny Nicole, now don’t you?”
“Nine times out of 10 you don’t hook a clothesline to a fence.” IYKYK
“You might think twice before using Pledge on the stairway. I almost broke my neck.” (I still feel horrible about this one. I was young.)
In the event you run into Christopher Reeves, please try to keep your sh*t together.
Heather Fedewa
January 22, 2025 at 6:26 pmAunt Janet was one of a kind. Her style and presence had a massive impact on me at a young age —- everything about her fascinated me. I will miss her and our talks all of my life.
Ron Uken & Suzanne Miel-Uken
January 23, 2025 at 3:13 pmJan, aside from being a delightful friend, was also kind to our grandchildren. Years ago, she gave them a complete set of Disney videos, which they enjoyed very much.
We are so grateful to have seen Jan in the summer. Our sympathy to the family. What wonderful memories you must have, and may they comfort and sustain you.
Donna Becker
January 23, 2025 at 9:47 pmLucky me, I knew this incredible woman from grade school on. I always knew she was special but never imagined all she would accomplish. I moved out of the area about the time she returned to Lansing. Fast forward 30 years when I returned to the area and we picked up right where we left off. Eleven years to reconnect and enjoy our lasting friendship. RIP my friend, you’ll never be forgotten.
Carol & Michael Zimmer
January 24, 2025 at 7:45 amI posted this on Facebook but thought I’d copy it here…
Michael and I recently lost a dear friend – Janet Lockwood.
Jan was a pistol with a theatrical flair! She was the one who would make a grand entrance (and always fashionably late, of course) and then the party could properly start. She was brutally honest with her observations, but loyal, supportive, and kind in equal measure. She had the best low and throaty laugh…and did so easily and very often. I can still hear that chuckle in my head. Jan hated the heat – and would not suffer in silence. She also didn’t like unkind people and made no apologies for putting them in their place. She called Michael, Boy-o and me, Darling.
She was extremely proud of her sons and grandchildren and bragged about their lives and accomplishments regularly. She loved cats and tolerated the occasional dog (she decided our Millie was acceptable). She loved a good meal, a glass of great wine (usually just one) and always ordered the escargot. She loved all things British.
She collected antique English egg cups (with chickens on them) and strange nativity scenes. Michael and I would search high and low each Christmas to present her with our best offering – her favorite might have been the rubber ducky nativity, or maybe the tiny nativity scene in a walnut. We didn’t get the chance to give her this Christmas’s submission – a tiny scene in a flower petal. We’ll proudly display it each Christmas – and remember…
We also missed our Annual Christmas Lights Tour this year. Each year, we’d pick her up – she’d sit in the passenger seat (throne) and proclaim, in her deep and most judgmental voice, “Oh… how unfortunate!” while reviewing truly questionable displays. Truth be told, we’d look forward to these trips each year, just to hear her say those words!
Jan, you made a difference in our lives and we will miss you until we see you again. We’re imagining you up in Heaven, providing everyone with instructions of exactly how things should be handled. Firstly, you’ll be requiring that the heat be turned down. I guess I’ll have to bring a sweater!
Linda Luginbill
February 3, 2025 at 8:53 amJanet was my sister and my friend. She was the oldest of the 4 Jordan girls, and I am the youngest. She was so generous, funny, quick to give encouragement and advice when I asked. We lunched together often in the past 10 years, and enjoyed exchanging Christmas and birthday gifts. Jan gave great gifts, from the Barbie doll Corvette when I was 9, to last year’s Jelly Belly dispenser, which my whole family enjoys!
Jan loved my husband Dave, who was her doctor until he retired, and my family, too, attending many Thanksgiving dinners with us over the years. While Jan and I didn’t always agree on politics, we did agree on many current issues and could be respectful of each other’s opinions.
There is a hole now in my life with Janet gone. I miss her very much.
Michael Grabemeyer
April 24, 2025 at 1:42 amJan was absolutely the best. I met her making independent films while at MSU when she graciously acting in a no budget film we were making. Little did I realize the impact she would make on me later. She called me out of the blue and asked if I would apply for a job with the Michigan film office. I was the only state employee at the time that she knew had any knowledge of filmmaking and she could only hire a state employee….and we were off and running becoming one of the busiest states for films.
She was hands down the best boss I ever had and a great friend. She taught me so much about the business. We went on trips together, scouted locations met with projects, and renovated the entire office together. It was the craziest and most enjoyable 5 years. Always brutally but lovingly honest. Jan always valued my opinions and thoughts. She made me feel important and valued. Always practicing the theory of telling the truth even if it’s not what you wanted to hear. Honing my delivery, professionalism, demeanor, and execution. Early in our time together I made some hair brain errors…she said, “Mike…that was stupid…and your not stupid. So, use your brain you have a good one.” I am still brutally honest today…siting her professional mantra of… if they don’t like the truth that’s their problem. It’s still the truth. I loved so much about Jan! We stayed in touch. We would have lunch together and shared so many laughs, talked about movies, learned and grew during that time. Truly a mentor, inspiration, fantastic listener, jokester, and energetic spirit. She cared so much but always kept life in perspective. She knew exactly what was really important. The people around her. I will always miss you Jan! So much love…Mike