Jana Lynn Hurt Harston

March 10, 2026

 Jana Lynn Hurt Harston, born May 29, 1955, a native of Scottsville, KY, died of pancreatic cancer in Charlotte, NC, on March 10, 2026.

Jana lived a full life, delighting in everyday moments with a joyful heart and cheerful optimism. Born and raised in Allen County, Jana treasured her old Kentucky home and regularly visited family with Phil, her high school sweetheart. This spring marked 54 years together. Jana loved traveling the world and spending time in High Meadows with the most beautiful porch view of the North Carolina mountains. Jana enjoyed watching all types of sports and loved cheering for her teams, both as her school's cheerleader growing up and later as a loyal Panthers and Hornets fan.

Jana cherished being Mom to Drew, Nana to her grandsons, and Aunt Jana to many. She was a serious game player, whether in cards, golf, or mahjong. She was an active member of Charlotte's Garden Club and Providence Baptist Church for many years, where she served as the pianist for children's choirs and as a 5th-grade Sunday School teacher. Jana often sent heartfelt handwritten notes, and she will always be remembered for her family's favorite beef tenderloin dinner and chocolate ganache cake.

She was predeceased by her parents, Billie Wayne Hurt and Jeanne Albright Hurt, and a brother, Todd Hurt. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dr. Phillip Reed Harston; son, Dr. Drew Harston, and his wife, Rev. Dr. Carol Harston; grandsons, James, Collier, and Walter Harston; and sister, Julie Hurt.

A visitation will be held at Providence Baptist Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., and a reception to follow at their home. Memorial gifts may be made to Providence Baptist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Jan Clark

    I grew up in Scottsville with Jana and Julie. Every Christmas Julie and Jana would get 2 Nancy Drew mystery books while my sisters (twin Jane and Jana’s classmate Kathy) would get 3 new books. We’d all read like crazy and then swap books. 5 new books! We had a lot of fun growing up together in the Scottsville Baptist Church. Such fond memories of those years together. Wishing only good memories for those left behind.

    Short URL:
  • Vivien Carver

    So sorry to hear this news. Jana always had a smile on her face. Praying for you Phil and the rest of the family

    Short URL:
  • Dilek and Serkan Erikci

    May she rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to Phil and the entire family. We feel truly fortunate to have been neighbors with Jana and Phil. She was a wonderful person who radiated positivity, always greeting us with a warm smile and a kind spirit, even in the final days of her life. She will be deeply missed.

    Short URL:
  • Louise Rogers

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    Short URL:
  • Jack and Robin McNamara

    We are so sad to hear the news about Jana. She was such a sweet person. Always smiling! We pray that God will give, Phil, Drew and your family peace and comfort in the coming days!

    Short URL:
  • James E Hunt

    What a wonderful life! Prayers for the family

    Short URL:
  • Nanci Sledge Meador

    This picture of Jana is demonstrating the exact same childhood face I always saw her wearing around our Baptist Church! The same exact loving smile and bright eyes. She was always happy. Many years since I've seen her and am so sorry to hear of this devastating pain she must have had to endure before finding her Devine healing. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.

    Short URL:
  • Miles Baker

    My condolences to Phil and the family of this dear sweet woman. Jana was a friend at Campbellsville University back 1975. Our roots were nearby as my grandparents were from Alvaton, Ky. Jana was an exemplary student, full of joy and laughter and the love of her Savior. She will be missed by all who knew her.

    Short URL:
  • Marbara Stivers

    I only knew Jana for two years while we were at Campbellsville College. She and Ginny lived down the hall on 1 North. We were also regulars in the Music Building, sang in the traveling choir and enjoyed hearing each other in weekly recitals. Jana and I also shared the same birthday, May 29, although two years apart. I complimented a set of butterfly collar pins she wore and she gave me a set for my birthday! I enjoyed following her on FB through the years and was so sorry to hear of her passing. Her energy, her smile and her love for the Lord lit up every room. I will be praying for her family and celebrating her on “our” birthday!

    Short URL:
  • Allen Albright

    We were so saddened to hear of cousin Jana's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as we know she is dearly loved and missed. We always looked forward to her thoughtful handwritten Christmas card every year. Rest in eternal peace, Jana.

    Short URL:
Load More