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Janette Boice Dresser

Story by Sister: Mary Dresser Taffet

February 22, 1957 - June 20, 1916 - Age 59 

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Beloved by her friends and students:

My sister didn't have much, but was willing to share all that she had with anybody who needed it. When she passed, the numerous tributes left by her many friends and many former students on her Facebook page were at the same time both heartwarming and heart-wrenching as they explained all that she meant to them.

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Late Diagnosis due to lack of medical insurance: She did not have insurance, and was Stage 4 when diagnosed, with nausea her primary symptom initially. The state she lived in did not expand Medicaid when it was possible to do so via the Affordable Care Act, and she earned too little to qualify for a subsidy. If she had had insurance, she would have had her symptoms checked out when they first started, rather than waiting 6 months before going to the ER. There is of course no way to know whether seeking treatment earlier would have helped her or not. More research is desperately needed, and I'm very glad that Hope for Heather is there.

Obituary from Legacy.com: 

Janette Boice Dresser, age 59, departed this life to be with her Lord on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Nash Health Care Systems in Rocky Mount, NC, surrounded by her family. Born in Lynchburg, VA on February 22, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Walter Charles Dresser and Charlotte Matthews Boice Dresser.

She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of many years, Samuel Everett Pride, Jr.; her infant daughter, Amanda Stephanie Dresser; and her brother, David Charles Dresser.

Janette attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a dedicated and devoted math teacher and tutor. She taught in a number of schools in and near Rocky Mount including Northern Nash, R. M. Wilson, Southern Nash, N.E.W. Academy, Louisburg, Enfield Academy, Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School, and Rocky Mount Preparatory School. She tutored for Student Support Services at Nash Community College and had a number of private students over the years as well. In her youth, she spent much of her time dipping ice cream at the family owned business, Bressler's 33 Flavors. Janette was very involved in the Rocky Mount community and was a member of Church on the Rise. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janette leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sons, Samuel Everett Pride III of Washington, DC; and Traevonne Charles Pride of Rocky Mount, NC; her step-daughters, Tara Pride and Jahlycia Pride. She is also survived by her grandsons, Michael Coffey and Damien Pride; sisters, Mary Moses Dresser Taffet and husband, Steve, of Syracuse, NY; and Susan Yancey Dresser Barritt and husband, Tom, of Cary, NC; her goddaughters, Shannon Conney; Rachel Davenport; and Sarah Davenport; and many, many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Church on the Rise (Nashville Campus), 313 W. Washington Street, Nashville. The family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM prior to the service.
Published in Rocky Mount Telegram on Jun. 22, 2016.

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