Janet Darlene Cave, 75, of East Prairie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at Mercy Southeast Hospital, surrounded by those who loved her most.
Born on November 9, 1949, in Mississippi County, Missouri, Janet lived a life full of love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a familiar and beloved face in East Prairie, first working at Bob’s Convenience Store and Gas-a-Mat before going on to serve the community as a dispatcher and court clerk at the East Prairie Police Department. Both avenues of employment gave opportunity to capture her sharp memory and easy charm. This would make her the unofficial keeper of the town’s stories (and sometimes secrets), a role she held with both humor and heart.
Janet was a lifelong practicing Baptist and a member of Elm Street Baptist Church. Her faith was a steady compass throughout her life and a comfort to those around her.
She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, often leaving people feeling seen and heard. Her warmth was magnetic, her laugh unforgettable, and her soul, truly pure.
But above all, Janet’s heart was devoted to her family. She loved her daughter and grandchildren more than anything in this world, and her role as “MawMaw” was the one she cherished most.
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Wayne Cave, her parents Virgil Lee and Mildred Lynese Adams-Moore and her two brothers, Larry and Gary Moore.
She is survived by her daughter, Dana Cave; her three granddaughters, Haleigh (Finley) Hequembourg, Ashton Allred, and Elin Browning; and her great-grandson, Channing Shelby. She also leaves behind her dearest and lifelong friend, Patti Russell; one brother Jerry (Connie) Moore; one special sister-in-law Lawanda ‘Peachie’ Moore (wife of the late Larry Moore); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elm Street Baptist Church in East Prairie. A funeral service celebrating Janet’s life will take place at the church on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a private graveside burial to follow for family and close friends.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Allred, Finley Hequembourg, Jeff Moore, Tim Moore, Kenny Walton, and Ray Givens. Honorary pallbearers include Trent Russell and Mandy Aycock.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the stories she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Her warmth, wit, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
