Janet Sue Auten

Janet Sue Houck Auten, a beloved educator, mentor, wife, aunt, and sister passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 91. She was surrounded by love at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House of Huntersville after a brief illness. Janet was born on July 23, 1935, in the serene hills of Ashe County, North Carolina, to John Houck and Connie Dickson Houck.

Janet Sue's life is marked by her commitment to personal and professional competence, generosity, education, and honoring the memories and stories of loved ones.  She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Julia Dawn Houck and Emily Marie Houck, and devoted husband of 57 years, Franklin Oliver Auten. She is survived by sister Greta Houck Moretz, and brother-in-law, Warren, along with her niece, Emily Moretz Wells and husband Ben, and their children, Adelaide, Clara, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her nephew, Derek Warren Moretz and wife Caroline, and their children, Olivia and Leland, as well as her nephew, Johnathan Scott Moretz and wife Susan, and their children, Briggs and Baker.   Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins remained at the forefront of her heart and fondest memories until her passing.  She was mother to several canine children who provided her with enormous joy, laughter, and mutual affection. 

Born in West Jefferson, NC, Janet Sue was the oldest of four girls. She enjoyed being outside and from all accounts, gave the boys her age a run for their money.  Before she knew the impact that competing with boys in sports would have on her professional career, her all-star skill and confidence on youth athletic fields and courts, would prepare and foreshadow similar competence in business and organizational settings.  She graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1952.

Janet Sue's love story with Frank began at Appalachian State Teachers College, where she was a spirited cheerleader and he a football player. Their bond was immediate and everlasting. After graduating, they married on August 24, 1957 at Boone Methodist Church and began their journey in Belmont, where they both embarked on professional careers and enjoyed a vibrant social life including dancing, dining, and life in the city with other young professionals. Janet Sue initially worked for IBM in Charlotte before discovering her true calling in business education, beginning her teaching career at Belmont Abbey College.

In 1962, Frank and Janet Sue returned to Boone, where Frank would open his business. Janet Sue joined the Watauga County Board of Education and played a pivotal role in the founding faculty of Watauga High School. Over three decades, she inspired countless students, preparing them towards careers or higher education. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades in business education with state and national leadership roles that championed women's opportunities in business.

Upon retirement in 1996, long before online ancestry platforms, Janet Sue immersed herself in genealogy, tracing her family's roots and sharing her discoveries with others.  She loved finding herself in Appalachian churches and cemeteries, family Bibles, or libraries.  Her enthusiasm for uncovering connections and storytelling was a labor of love, now appreciated by younger generations of her family.   Known for her directness, wit, and occasional sarcasm, Janet Sue was also generous and curious, always seeking to connect with others over shared experiences. Over her final years, she found a renewed faith and love for Jesus Christ, something she found deeply personal. She loved to listen and learn others' experiences and to pray for her family, community, country, and world. Visual impairment limited her independence in the community but she was immensely grateful for visitors and shared accounts on faith, family, sporting events, humor, and overall and reminiscing upon a life well lived.  

Janet Sue's family extends heartfelt gratitude to her dedicated neighbors and longtime trusted caretaker and friend, Maria Gonzalez, for her unwavering support and love.

In honor of Janet Sue's generous spirit, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse World Medical Mission or to the Watauga County Humane Society. 

Arrangements are pending. 

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Auten family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Sue Auten, please visit our floral store.