Janet Lynn (Hornsby) Schembra

Janet Lynn Hornsby Schembra passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at home. She was born on January 26, 1961, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at Highsmith Hospital, the daughter of Roger William Hornsby and Helen McRae Parker. In addition to her parents and stepfather, Mack Parker, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cathryn Taylor McRae (Big Momma) and Dougal McRae, and her husband, Andrew Schembra.

Jan was a 1979 graduate from Harnett Central High School and then attended Central Carolina Community College where she obtained a Paralegal degree. She was employed at the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and then served as a paralegal at various legal firms throughout her professional career.

She moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where she met Andrew Schembra, a local realtor, married, and had an only child, a son, Alexander Joseph Schembra, whom she loved dearly.

Our Aunt Ruth would always say “add some gravy to it” when describing someone, or telling a story, to embellish but in this case, Jan was the gravy! Jan enjoyed life and was full of joy being very adept socially. She loved to host and attend parties. She made it a point to speak to every attendee at these events and talk personally with them because she was genuinely interested. Jan was a very caring person and would reach out to those less fortunate to see that their needs were met. She had a very kind and compassionate heart for her friends, family, and fellow man. She loved her grandmother, Cathryn, dearly and was very attentive to her well -being.

In earlier years as a member of the Democratic party, Jan was a dedicated worker. She was President of the Harnett County Young Democrats and helped to build the club’s membership to be the second largest in the state only surpassed by Wake County. She was a key player in planning the reelection campaign for United States Senator, Robert Morgan, in the late 1970’s, and, for the Second Congressional District rally for United States Congressman, Charles Whitley, two of the biggest political rallies of that time.

Jan is survived by her son, Alexander Schembra, her two brothers, Mark Hornsby (Tammy) and Scott Parker (Staci), her maternal aunts, Patricia McRae Heikkinen and Ann McRae Saunders, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held 11am Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Summerville Presbyterian Church, 2065 Old US 421, Lillington, NC 27546.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.   

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