Philanthropist Of The Year Award Nominees 

Each year the Linda Vann Lassiter Women's Society honors a philanthropist in Johnston County. The winner will be honored at an annual celebration.

The honor is awarded annually to an individual who has made a positive impact in our community through giving, and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for all with regard to time, talents, and treasures.

Nominees must: reside in Johnston County; demonstrate a track record of charitable giving to one or more nonprofit organizations with a positive impact in the community; encourage, motivate, and inspire others to become philanthropic; volunteer and connect others to the organization through their passion; provide leadership and vision making them well-regarded in the community.

Submit your nominations for the 2023 Philanthropist of the Year now through April 4, 2023.


2022's Winner Janet Daughtry

Janet DaughtryJanet Daughtry is described as a shining example of a woman who gives generously to those in need. As a trained disaster relief volunteer for nearly 20 years, Janet came out of retirement to return to the mission field when she and her husband, Scott, traveled to the Hungarian-Ukrainian border as team coordinators for Baptist On Mission. They coordinated teams of workers while ministering to refugees and making plans for long-term relief efforts.

Locally, Janet led efforts to rebuild in Kenly and in Micro after tornadoes caused extensive damage. She has traveled across North Carolina to various disaster relief sites, and across the nation including: Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, New York, Puerto Rico, Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Internationally, Janet has traveled to Africa, Europe and South America, to volunteer in times of crisis, and to utilize her teaching skills to spread God's word, construction skills to help build churches, and parenting skills to work with orphan children. She also taught basket weaving classes to help people develop the skill as a source of income.

As a philanthropist, Janet financially supports the causes in which she believes. In addition to funding various mission trips, she supports orphans, churches, and numerous charity projects at the Shriners Hospitals for Children. She is an active member of the Johnston County Shrine Club. During her twenty years of mission work, Janet has spoken at many local churches and organizations to encourage others to carry out the same philanthropic work.