Janie Valentine was born on August 4, 1953 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Easter Valentine. The family later moved to East St. Louis in 1968.

She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age with Straightway Baptist Church. She united in wedlock to Ralph Wellmaker from 1992-2004. She is preceded in death by her son, Cortez Valentine.

Janie was a sociable person and loved cooking. She enjoyed playing color by number, playing cards, working puzzles, and sewing clothes. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Janie departed this life on February 24, 2021. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Katina Valentine, Shawnte Valentine, Mortez Valentine; her grandchildren, Ronnell Valentine, Zahalla Valentine, Zaraiyah Valentine, Cortez Valentine Jr., Mortez Valentine Jr., and Ashlei Gray; her siblings, Bernard Valentine, Rosaline Chevis, Deborah James, and Rodney "GoGo" Valentine, Maryland Valentine, and numerous other family and friends.