Janet Baker Richbourg, 64 of Columbia, SC passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. She was a loving, caring and wonderful wife and mother who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was a talented, award-winning artist, whose works were exhibited at galleries and events in both Columbia and Hilton Head. Additionally, she spent much of her career as the owner and operator of Fran's Restaurant on Forest Drive, founded by her parents, the late Jon and Laverne Hicks Baker.

Janet, with her best friend and husband of 46 years, Joe, shared a love of travel and adventure, spending much of their retirement exploring the United States, Europe, and sailing along the South Carolina coast. Some of their favorite activities together were drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and simple picnics by the water.

In addition to Joe, she is survived by her children, Andrew and Emily; brother, Jon "Jack" Baker, Jr. (Janice Willingham), and sister-in-law, Carolyn Pregnall (Allan).

A visitation will be held Sunday, April 9th from 4 until 6 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia. A private celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

The family wishes to express great appreciation to the staff of Lexington Oncology, especially to Dr. Chelsea Stillwell and Infusion Nurse, Myra Hawkins, two truly caring and wonderful people who have done so much for Janet and her family, as well as improve the lives of so many other individuals battling cancer. We also wish to express our appreciation to the excellent staff of Lexington Medical Center 8th Floor Oncology and the professional and caring staff of Compassionate Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to spend their resources on early and regular cancer screenings, and support of cancer research organizations.