Janest Mayfield Wells was born July 30, 1943, in Alexandria, Louisiana to James H. Mayfield, Sr. and Ivie Johnson Mayfield. She transitioned from this life on August 4, 2025, at Medical City Plano in Plano, Texas.

Janest was baptized at an early age in Oklahoma, and was a faithful member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. She loved the Lord and knew that He was her strength and her sustainer. Her faith carried her through every season of life, and her trust in Him never wavered.
As the oldest child, Janest took pride in caring for and protecting her siblings. She aspired to be a positive role model and guiding figure for each of them. Janest was educated in the Rapides Parish School System and graduated from Peabody High School in 1962. Shortly afterwards she relocated to Oklahoma City to continue her journey and began her adult life.

Janest began her early career at Dairy Queen, where her natural leadership abilities quickly became evident. She later joined Western Electric in Oklahoma City, eventually transferring to the Western Electric facility in Mesquite, Texas. Her dedication and work ethic carried her through several transitions as the company evolved into AT&T, then Lucent Technologies and later Tyco. Janest ultimately retired from Lucent Technologies, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and professional excellence.

Janest's grandchildren gifted her with the name Gran, but her name wasn't just a name - it was a reflection of who she was. GRAND in love. GRAND in faith. GRAND is kindness. GRAND in presence! She didn't just show up- she showed out for everyone she loved. Whether it was offering a word of encouragement, preparing a warm meal, or wrapping you in a hug, she gave graciously and in GRAND fashion. Our Gran was our safe place. Her wisdom anchored us. Her laughter lifted us. Her prayers carried us. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we will carry her GRAND legacy forward. Her Grand spirit lives on in every one of us. Because of her, we know what it means to live and love GRANDLY!
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Denise Cockerham; her son, Eric Gene Cockerham; her father, mother, and both paternal and maternal grandparents.

Janest leaves the following to cherish her memories: her children, Ronnie Cockerham (Bernice), Kecia Riley (Jerry), and Wes Cockerham; grandchildren, Rontridell Cockerham (Tequilla), Brandon Gray, Quincy Riley (Liz), Alexis Rivera, Lauren Ukandu (Jason), Marcus Riley, and Johnathan Cockerham; bonus grandchildren, Kevin Riley, Jerry Riley, Jr. and Jason Riley.

She will forever be loved and remembered by her siblings, Ivie Overton (Oliver), Edith Posey, Sheron Wilson (Ulysses), Kelley Jones (Thurston), Ruby Jones, Judith Mitchell (Donald), Juliet Mayfield, David Mayfield (Paula), and Vickie Mayfield; great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Tammy Avery; and a host of other relatives and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved aunt Very Williams, the cherished matriarch of the family.