Janet Chaplain

Janet Marie Chaplain, 72, of Beaufort, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at her home.

Janet grew up in Mill Creek, where she spent time with her numerous cousins. At the age of 6, she was working in tobacco, an early part of a life marked by steady dedication. She later spent more than 28 years at Beaufort Elementary School, where she made many friends at work and especially loved seeing children learn.

Those who knew Janet knew she was shy and never wanted to be the center of attention, yet she had a great sense of humor that left a lasting impression. Her quiet manner and wit were part of what made her presence so distinctive to the people around her.

Janet also gave her time to helping animals through the Beaufort Cat Project, a cause that was clearly important to her. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed an El’s Super Burger, watching Gunsmoke reruns, and Ted Lasso.

Her life was shaped by work, familiar routines, and the people and causes that mattered to her. She will be remembered in Beaufort, in Mill Creek, at Beaufort Elementary School, and among those who shared in the everyday moments she enjoyed.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Oceanview Cemetery in Beaufort. A recording of the service will be available at noebrooks.net. The family will be receiving friends following the service at 220 Gatsey Lane in Beaufort and at other times at the family home after Tuesday.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard “Math” Chaplain Jr. of Beaufort; daughter, Rachel Chaplain of Beaufort; her two grand dogs, Cooper and Wrigley; brother, Larry Brown and wife, Suzy of Beaufort; niece, Tonya Shepherd and husband, Rick of Havelock; nephew, John Brown and wife, Rachel of Annapolis, MD; niece, Stephanie Silva and partner, Marc of Mrytle Beach, SC; grand nieces and nephews, Ryan, Maddie, Lorenzo, Ethan, Corbin, Sailor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John D. Brown and Florence Winberry Brown; two brothers, John Wayne Brown and James Brown.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Carteret County Humane Society, 853 Hibbs Rd. Newport, NC 28570, https://cchsshelter.com/donate/

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.