Josephine “Jan” Tester
Age, 77, of Burton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00pm until 5:00pm on March 7, 2026 at Detroit Cremation Society, 8253 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, Michigan. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Josephine’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Josephine Janet Tester was born on November 22, 1948, in Flint, Michigan, to Mr. and Mrs. Francois and Mary Helias. She was a woman whose heart knew no limits. Jan cherished having family and friends gathered around her and found great joy in welcoming everyone into her home. She made her home a safe haven — a place where anyone and everyone felt loved, accepted, and cared for. Wherever she went, Jan made friends effortlessly. She had a remarkable way of putting others before herself, always offering kindness, comfort, and unwavering support. She enjoyed watching her favorite television shows and movies, but nothing brought her greater happiness than spoiling her beloved grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Ray Tester; her children, Anthony (Alona), Raymond, Michelle, and Rose; her ten cherished grandchildren, Bri, Wes Marshall, Haley, Julianna, Bella, Michael, Caitlin, Steven, and Chelsea; as well as many treasured great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mikey; her daughter, Renee; her parents, Francois and Mary; her brothers, Mike and Billy; her beloved sissy, Becky; and many others who will be deeply missed.
Jan’s love, warmth, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Deepest condolences to the Tester Family,
Jan was caregiver to my two children, Leslie and Malcolm. I was a soldier stationed at Fort Carson, CO. Jan was one of the kindest, most welcoming and giving individuals I’ve ever been fortunate to meet. She lovingly cared for my children, which put my mind at ease while at work every day or especially during 24-hour shifts.
I learned the joy of garage sale shopping from Jan. She made you feel at ease and good in her presence.
She had a “running” joke about her day with my children – When she saw my car drive up to the house, she’d run outside and yell, ” Thank the Lord, thank the Lord, the mother has come”!
I trust her family will find peace in the knowledge that she fiercely loved them, and I believe she is still overlooking and caring for them because a Mother’s love like hers never leaves you. It washes over you; and all you have to do is think of her and you’ll feel it. Peace be with you all.
Ava D. Carter
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I was her neighbor at one time and she let me know if there was anything I needed to just let her know. I’m heartbroken. She was a remarkably woman both inside and out. May her family find peace and comfort.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. May Jan RIP and fly high 🙏❤️🩹I have so many memories and will cherish them forever. Prayers and healing to all.
I was her favorite no matter what my brother Daniel Helias says. Even though uncle ray says dans a sweetie pie.
Dan Moore loved her as a friend. She was a precious friend. He will miss her dearly ❤️
I have known Jan and her family for quite a few years. About 10 years. I always felt welcome in her home. There was a young man that she considered her grandson and that was my nephew, Noah Fox. She love Noah just like she loved all of her other kids, grandkids and everybody. It doesn’t seem real. I just seen her last month. I always love talking to her. We had a joke going that was a joke between us that I will never forget. I love you. Jan, I will miss you forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this most difficult time. Just know Jan was one of a kind she made Earth a better place and I know she’s up in heaven making heaven a better place. I always felt welcome in her home and anytime I want to see her. She was so happy to see me and the last time I got to see her was a month ago February 5th of 2026. She gave me the biggest hug and when I left I gave her a hug again and she gave me gave me another hug and whispered in my ear Richard. I love you fly high with the angels my friend. I will miss you forever. Thanks for welcoming me and my nephew Noah Fox into your home. You all be missed. We will miss you more than you know. Earth will never be the same without you ever again. God they don’t make them like you anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you all and thank you. Thank you for letting me get to know this beautiful person. Thanks again Jen for being my friend. I love you and rest in peace my friend until I get there