Janet Hutchinson, 90, died Friday, January 9, 2009 at Brooks-Howell Home.  She was a native of Philadelphia, PA and was the daughter of the late John Addison and Helen Shurtlett McIlvaine.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Toms who died in 1964, and a son James Rodney Toms who died in infancy.  In 1971, she married Paul A. Hutchinson who preceded her in death in 1986.

She attended The Stevens School in Philadelphia, PA before attending Asheville High School; she later graduated from the The George School in Newton,PA.  She earned her BA degree from Western College in Oxford, Ohio and her graduate degree in retailing from Simmons College in Boston, MA

     Locally, Mrs. Hutchinson was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, the St. Joseph Hospital Guild, the Etheridge Women’s Club, and the formerly, Junior’s Women’s Club.  She was also a member of the Western College Alumni Association.   She enjoyed volunteering frequently in Asheville for her church and many charitable causes and community events.

     She is survived by her son, John F. Toms and daughter Helen E. Toms and her husband, Bruce Black, all of Asheville.

     A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church, 841 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, 28804.  Interment will be in the church gardens.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 841 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, 28804, Care Partners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville 28813 or Brooks-Howell Home, 266 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 28801.