It’s tough to put into words the emotions that hit me as I try to honor someone I never met. Janis Stone wasn’t just a dental assistant—she was the heart of her practice, a person whose impact resonated deeply with everyone around her. Although I’d only taken on her role for three months, it was clear to me that she was irreplaceable. This is her story, shared by someone who feels honored to carry on the legacy she left behind. I hope her life inspires you like it has inspired me.

To give you a little background, I’ve been a dental assistant for 18 years. When I joined Dr. Tammy Willis’s practice, I was at a low point, dealing with a painful divorce and feeling lost, with too much free time on my hands. It’s funny how sometimes, during the toughest times, a lighthouse finds you. Call it divine intervention, sheer luck, or fate—this time, it came in the form of a heartfelt phone call from my dear friend and colleague, Reyna. She urgently needed a dental assistant and shared Janis’ heartbreaking story with me. That call struck a deep chord in my already fragile heart.

Jan had been Dr. Tammy Willis’s right hand for 28 years—a partnership built on trust and dedication. Her sudden passing left a void that felt impossible to fill. One day, she was working side by side with Dr. Willis and her team; the next, she didn’t show up. The silence was deafening. Concerned, her coworkers went to check on her and found her at home, having

When I met Dr. Willis, it was clear this was more than just a job for her—it was a true calling. From the moment I walked into her practice, it felt like home. The scent of fresh flowers, Lisa’s friendly smile at the front desk (a 16-year veteran herself), and the warm camaraderie of Rhonda and Suzanne, the hygienists, made me feel like I was welcomed into a family.

This office wasn’t merely a workplace; it was a sanctuary built on love and mutual respect. On my first day, I was a bundle of nerves, feeling like the new kid at school—even though I had years of experience under my belt. But Dr. Willis quickly eased my worries with her kindness and patience. Watching her work was inspiring; she paid attention to every detail, and each patient received her full, heartfelt attention. It was no surprise that patients had trusted her for years —and why they loved Janis so much. Taking over Jan’s role was no small feat. Patients would quietly ask where Jan was whenever Dr. Willis stepped out of the room. Each time, I felt a lump in my throat as I gently explained her absence, fighting back tears.

Janis wasn’t just skilled; she poured her heart into every part of her work. She kept antique dental equipment running like new—a detail that resonated with me, bringing back memories of my grandfather's tools. Inspired by Janice's dedication to those instruments, I spent hours restoring my Papaw’s old toolbox—something that had been untouched since his passing. As I scrubbed off years of rust and grime, memories flooded back: handing him tools as his “little assistant,” soaking in his teachings about each one with endless patience and love. Those tools mean more to me than any treasure because they remind me of his wisdom and care, his legacy. 

Jan’s legacy is much like those tools—crafted with care, built to last, and filled with lessons that go far beyond their intended use. Her work wasn’t just a job; it was her passion—a beautiful testament to doing what you love wholeheartedly. She’s a reminder for all of us not to leave things unfinished, as tomorrow is never promised. Thank you, Janis—for inspiring me to carry forward your humble yet extraordinary legacy.