Janet Brown McCutchen

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you." — John 14:1–3 (NIV)

With deep love and grateful hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Janet Brown McCutchen, who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 13, 2026. While we mourn the loss of her presence here on earth, we find comfort in God’s promise of eternal life and rejoice knowing that she is now at peace in His presence.

Janet was born on October 8, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, to Benjamin Franklin Brown Sr. and Emily Crum Brown. She was raised in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where she was baptized at Bynum Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and graduated from Compact High School. It was there that she developed the strength, resilience, and values that would guide her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Janet moved to Harlem, New York, where she met her late husband, Willie McCutchen Sr. Together, they built a loving family and welcomed three children: Willie Jr., Vincent, and Sabrina. Janet dedicated her life to raising her children and considered her family to be her greatest accomplishment. She found great joy in nurturing them and instilling the values that would guide them throughout their lives. She was incredibly proud of each of them and treasured watching them grow, succeed, and build families of their own.

Those who knew Janet will remember her as loving, funny, strong, and forward-thinking. She had a remarkable way of offering wisdom at just the right moment, never hesitating to encourage, guide, or lovingly tell the truth. Her greatest desire was to see her family remain united. Even after the passing of her husband, Willie Sr., she continued to nurture relationships and keep both her family and his connected, believing that love, loyalty, and family unity were among life’s greatest blessings.

In 1984, Janet moved to Connecticut, where she met her great friend and partner, John Erwin. Together, they shared many special moments and enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, including their favorite pastimes of fishing and playing cards. Janet also enjoyed cheering on her beloved New York Knicks and looked forward to watching every game. More than anything, she valued the relationships she built and the memories she created with those she loved.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin Brown Sr. and Emily Crum Brown; her husband, Willie Lee McCutchen Sr.; her sister, Janice Hughes; her partner, John Erwin; and her cherished dog, Brady, whose loyal companionship brought her comfort and joy for many years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Willie Jr. (Donna), Vincent, and Sabrina McCutchen; her grandchildren, Janay Williams, Taylor, Alexis, Leah, and Michael McCutchen; her sisters, Carolyn McKinney (Sam), her twin sister, and Tobbie Gibson (Buddy); her brothers, Benjamin F. Brown Jr. and Terry Brown; her best friend, Diane Lyons Boatwright; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory and the love she shared so freely.

While our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing that Janet's earthly journey is complete. We find comfort in God's promise that His faithful children are welcomed into His eternal presence, where there is no more pain, no more suffering, and everlasting peace. Though we will deeply miss her laughter, her wisdom, and the love she so freely shared, we rejoice in knowing that she is finally at peace, resting in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

May Janet's life continue to inspire us to love unconditionally, cherish one another, remain united as a family, and walk faithfully with God until we are called home. Though she has finished her race, the legacy of her love, strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of life for Janet McCutchen will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

Author Unknown