Janet Lea Blue

Miss Janet Lea Blue, 48 of Midland died Saturday, April 30, 2011 in Houston after a lengthy battle with Leukemia and complications following bone marrow transplant. Born June 9, 1962 she was the daughter of D.W. and Jean Hickman Blue also of Midland. She was a 1980 graduate of Midland High School and UTPB Odessa in 2001. Janet was preceded in death by her mother in August 2002 and is survived by her father and four siblings: Deborah Shoemake of San Antonio; Sherion Webb of Midland; Teresa Ballard of Odessa; and Wayne Blue, Jr. of Colorado. Affectionately known as "Mean Auntie Janet" she was anything but to her nine nieces and seven nephews; seven great nieces and six great nephews; and one great-great niece.A 1996 Breast Cancer survivor, she developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2000 and began a long history with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Causes that were near and dear to her heart included Breast Cancer, Leukemia, Stem Cell, and Cord Blood research. She also actively encouraged blood and blood product donations. Often remarking that it was not "cheap" for cancer families and their caregivers to eat, park, and live at MD Anderson she came to love the EMMA HUGS program (www.emmashugs.com). In lieu of flowers please give to this wonderful project. The services that help Janet was Order of the Eastern Star (they finished the quilts her mother made), Volunteer Services, Rose Zone, Surrey House, The Hospitality Room, most recent St. Luke's Methodist Church (apartment over the summer), The Hospitality Apartments (www.hospitalityapartments.org) and most important EMMA HUGS. Medically retired, she pursued many interests including going back to college, sewing, and crafts. She was perhaps best known for her computer knowledge and skills. She was a member of the Midland Community Theater. Janet volunteered with the Senior Citizen Texas Size Garage Sale before becoming ill. Janet loved UFO sewing night and other sewing/social activities at Betty's Bobbin Box in Odessa. Other interest was going to the thrift stores (junking) and finding treasures and Geo-caching and letter boxing with her sisters and nieces.Charitable efforts – Janet's words from our craft/family website www.blue-genes.com ("When people come to us with a need and we can do something to help – we do!"). Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2011 at 6PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10AM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Survivors and their families include her father, D.W. Blue of Midland; three sisters, Deborah and Weldon (Buddy) Shoemake of San Antonio; Sherion and Steve Webb of Midland; Teresa and Jim Ballard of Odessa; and brother Wayne Blue, Jr. of Colorado; nine nieces: Stacy and Jeff DeLeon of San Antonio; Shannon Mitchell of San Antonio; Cynthia Barber of Floresville; Stephanie and Chris Clark of Odessa; Leann Webb and Wes Burnett of Prosper; Shelly and Lee Casas of Lamesa; and Sara Turner of Midland; Kara & Brandon Utley of Odessa, Amy & Brad Young of Odessa; eight nephews, Alan Shoemake of Austin; Timothy and Alisa Tidwell of Midland; Tyler Tidwell of Okinawa Japan; T.J. Tidwell of Midland; Brandon Floyd of Midland; Stephen Blue of Midland; and Wesley Blue of Midland, John Ballard of Odessa; great nieces and nephews, Meghan and Daniel Schmitt and Britany Panek of San Antonio, Hunter Shoemake of Austin; Zachary and Cody Barber of Floresville; Madelyn and Ameri Clark of Odessa; Kiley Casas of Lamesa; and Logan Tidwell of Midland; Gracyn, Zachary and Allyson of Odessa; Great-great Nephew Nevaeh Panek of San Antonio. Pallbearers are Timothy Tidwell, Tyler Tidwell, T.J. Tidwell, Chris Clark, Lee Casas, Jeff DeLeon, Wes Burnette, and Dan Schmitt. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,