Janis Kay (Gilbert) Cantrell

Janis Kay Cantrell, 70-year-old Gainesville, TX resident, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at Medical City Denton in Denton, TX. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Leon Cemetery with Brother Brett Alberta officiating. Viewing hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home in Marietta, OK.

Janis was born on January 7, 1956, in Leon, the daughter of Dallas Dean Gilbert and Odessa (Buckhanon) Gilbert. She attended school in Leon until the school closed, later transferring to Turner Schools.

Janis found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She loved cooking for those she cared about, tending to her flower gardens, attending concerts with friends, dancing, and listening to music. Above all else, the greatest happiness in her life came from spending time with her grandchildren and family, whom she loved deeply.

Janis was preceded in death by her father, Dallas Gilbert; her mother, Odessa Gilbert- Hunt; and stepfather, Pete Hunt. She was also preceded in death by her son, Johnny Abshire; her sister, Cathy Sue Dalton; six brothers, Thurman Lynn Gilbert, Calvin Glen Gilbert, Carol Eugene Gilbert, Kenneth Ray Gilbert, Johnny Marion Gilbert, and Jimmy Wayne Gilbert; her grandmother, Lillie Buckhanon; her niece, Stephanie Gwin; and her nephew, Gil Gilbert.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband and the love of her life for 35 years, Danny Cantrell of the home; her son, Jason Abshire and wife Karen of Wilson, OK; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Ricky Gilbert of Ardmore, OK; two sisters, Carolyn Gwin of Tulsa, OK, and Debra Key of Overbrook, OK; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.