Janis Spivey, 81, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully today, Jan 19, 2025 at Vanderbilt Medical Center following a massive stroke she suffered two weeks ago. She was well and widely known for her exceptional kindness, simple elegance, intelligence, and her love for animals, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and warmth that truly touched the lives of everyone she met.
Born in Georgia but raised in Nashville, Janis returned to her hometown 20 years ago after retiring from a remarkable career as an executive (director) at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) in Manhattan. Her years in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she lived for over 25 years, were marked by tireless dedication to her family and her career, including a daily three-hour commute to New York City — at one point even with a broken leg. She balanced family, work and philanthropy with grace, earning accolades such as United Way’s Corporate Volunteer of the Year.
Perhaps lesser-known, but equally remarkable, aspects of Janis were her wide variety of talents, including her creativity. She co-wrote several books and penned the memorable slogan “50 Colorful Years” for Clairol’s 50th anniversary. Throughout her life she served diligently on many committees and boards in her various communities. In her younger years she earned her private pilot’s license, obtaining it prior to her driver’s license. She also had an uncanny ability to predict the endings of movies (which she often announced to her family early into the movie!).
Janis supported numerous charities, including the Children’s Advocacy Center in Nashville, contributing both her time and resources to causes that helped the vulnerable and voiceless. She was also a true friend to the many dogs she cared for (and spoiled, royally! One of her close friends famously said, “In my next life I want to come back as Janis’s dog”), and also to a peculiar parrot named Fred, who famously adored her (and only her!). Fred’s excited exclamation of “Hi Hi Hi!” upon greeting her, and “What-cha doin’, Janis?”, in Bill’s voice, when he was not perched on her shoulder, was a testament to her unique bond with all creatures.
Janis was married to the love of her life, Bill Spivey, for 50 years until his passing from lung cancer in 2017. They were best friends and shared almost everything together, especially Alabama football, their alma mater, where she was valedictorian of her class, and where Bill earned both his undergraduate and masters degrees. She and Bill established the Rogers-Spivey endowment at University of Alabama, which will continue on after her death. She loved elephants, the mascot of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, almost as much as she loved dogs.
Janis will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched. She is survived by her sister Sylvia (since deceased in 2026), and her two sons, David and Michael.
According to her wishes, there will be no funeral services. Her ashes will be buried next to Bill’s at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, where they were married.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Nashville (https://www.cactn.org) or an animal welfare charity of your choice, in honor of Janis’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
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