Janet Viola Rowe

Janet Viola Harvey-Rowe was an author, playwright, philanthropist, humanitarian and visionary.  She was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 6th, 1938, and transitioned peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2020.  Janet attended elementary school through college in her native Jamaica, and upon graduation, worked as a civil servant for various Ministries of Government.  Janet was a member of Evangel Temple Church in Vineyard Town, and never missed a Sunday service where she often substituted as a Sunday School teacher.  Janet was also a member of the church's outreach ministry, and frequently went out into the fields spreading the love of Jesus Christ to the most vulnerable population.  It was while working in these trenches that she stumbled upon the severe poverty in the areas of Greenwich Farm, Trench Town and Jones Town.  This caused Janet many sleepless nights, so she started going door to door soliciting large businesses to donate food, clothing, toys or whatever they had to help her help the people.  Janet would receive large volumes of goods, so much so, that she had regularly set up distribution fairs with live music provided by young upcoming local artists who had not yet made a big name for themselves, like the late Bob Marley. 

In 1966, while still employed with the Government, Janet was introduced to the Moral Rearmament Movement (MRA) through her brother, retired West Indies Cricketer Eric "Ferdie" Harvey, who himself was introduced to the Movement earlier by the late cricketer Conrad Hunte.  Janet was intrigued with the concept and ideology of this global movement since one of its goals was to inspire people and take action, to help build a better world and, more importantly, it was based upon good moral standards.  MRA included people of all races, creeds and genders.  

Janet welcomed a challenge and loved taking risks.  Still in her twenties, she resigned from her job and joined the touring group "Up With People" -- a branch of the Moral Rearmament Movement.  Janet travelled the world spreading morality and love through music.  The group also allowed her to meet, dine and live with many diplomats and heads of state from which she received numerous accolades.  Yet, with all that notoriety, she remained humble and grounded in her morality.  After a few years of touring with the Movement, Janet retired and returned home to her native Jamaica, and continued spreading the love of Jesus Christ through her own movement "Operation Change", a program that promoted self-empowerment, spiritual growth and development.

In 1969, Janet migrated to the United States settling in New York City.  She worked various jobs, but became disillusioned in the sense that although these jobs provided her with monetary assistance and opportunities for her growing family back home in Jamaica, she was not utilizing her God-given talents.  Janet was already bitten by the philanthropic bug, so when she resigned from these dead-end jobs, it came as no surprise.  Everyone knew the mind of this great lady would persevere till the end, and that she did!  It was the 1960s; with racial unrest, and social and economic inequality in full bloom, nothing could or would deter this young Black woman who spoke with a thick Caribbean accent from reaching her full potential.  Janet had no fear.  She lived her life by her faith.  She trusted the Lord as her personal Savior, knowing He would always have her back.  She also had no qualms when she stumbled because she knew her God was always there to pick her up as He did time after time.

Janet volunteered with quite a few not-for-profit organizations which ultimately allowed her to meet and develop a great relationship with the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm.  She served as a campaign staffer during her historic run for President of the United States.  It didn’t take long afterwards for Janet to start her own organization -- The Universal Faith Mission, Inc. -- a God-centered, and God-inspired company emphasizing theological teachings and self-prosperity.

Janet’s introduction to the foster care system came when she worked for a group home that housed abandoned adolescents.  Janet had nightmares recalling the stories of abused children, told by these young girls and boys themselves.  She knew their current living conditions could only provide sustenance for their bodies, but not their young souls; they needed love in order to ever trust again.  Janet, again guided by her faith, took on the responsibility of becoming a foster mother, raising over 18 children throughout the years, many from toddlers up to adulthood.  Now many people thought she was crazy, that she was basically giving up her life by venturing down the thankless, tumultuous road of foster care.  Some would eventually unfriend her, but she never doubted that she made the right decision.  In the end, Janet gave these young minds unconditional love in a climate of acceptance, protection and affection that has helped shape their lives into the productive and thriving individuals they are today.

Janet was a gifted writer.  In 1984, she wrote and produced the acclaimed Off-Broadway play "Tough Kids" which played in many venues to rave reviews throughout New York, and received critical praise in newspapers and magazines.  In 1987, she wrote the Gospel musical "Gospel of Love" which played at Carnegie Hall and many venues around the state.  As her health declined, she made sure to keep up with the latest art emanating from On and Off-Broadway.  At the time of her death, she was working on her memoirs entitled "We Are Beyond Our Humanity".  The book was near completion.

Janet truly had a positive impact on everyone she encountered. She touched many lives both young and old; she gave unconditionally from her heart with little to no reciprocity at times.  Not surprisingly, you will hear people tell stories of the time she helped with rent payments on their behalf to prevent evictions, purchase airline tickets to visit loved ones, pay college tuition, legal fees or prevent utility shut offs.  The list is endless.  Janet was a true humanitarian!

Janet was a great mother. She loved her two beautiful children: Carolyn and Philip who preceded her in death.   Shocked and deeply saddened by their untimely passing, this caused her health to rapidly decline.  Janet loved, admired and respected her pastor, Dr. Jeffries, and always seized the opportunity to attend services whenever she was feeling well.

Janet leaves behind to mourn and cherish her memory, her brother, sisters, grandsons, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, foster children, and a host of other family members and friends.

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