Janice Mathis Jackson of Montgomery passed away early Friday, July 25, 2014 following a brief struggle with Alzheimers and a wondrous, long life of blessings and thanksgiving.
Born August 3, 1934 to James Oscar, Sr. and Lois Turner Mathis, she adored her loving, extended family. Siblings Emory T. Wilbourne, Miriam W. Lanter (Frank) and James O. Mathis, Jr. predeceased her; younger brother Raymond F. Mathis (Nancy) and sisters-in-law Velma Wilbourne and Sally Mathis survive.
Montgomery Public Schools and the Church of her youth, Highland Avenue Baptist, educated her and she appreciated their roles. Janice met the love of her live Wallace L. Jackson, son of Eely E. and Ruth Cumbie Jackson, and their marriage in 1954 sustained them and survives her.
Her children and grandchildren were soon and forever the center of her universe. The lives of Steven L., Randall K. (Kathy Spivey), Jeffery A. (Pamela Johnson) and Kimberly Ellis (Wade) speak to the legacy of her devotion; as do the lives of grandchildren, Daphne Jackson, Joshua Jackson (Sara), Shay Spivey (Eleanor), Somer Beatty (Geoff), Parker Ellis (Brittany), Taylor Ellis, Cody Ellis, Heath Jackson (Holland); and six great grandchildren.
Janice served 31 years for the State of Alabama. She was active in Liberty Chapter Order of the Eastern Star no. 253, East Montgomery Youth Baseball and Dalraida Baptist Church. The friendships of her co-workers, lodge-sisters and church family meant the world to her.
Janice is also survived by nieces and nephews that she dearly loved; Stan and Michael Wilbourne, Debra Lanter Denard (David), Lois Mathis Wanke (Fred), Becky, Raymond, Jr (Nancy) and James Mathis (Terri), and Lisa Venco (Mark) and Mke Jackson.
Many thanks to Tammie Gibson, her loving care giver and friend for the last six years and to the staff of Amedisys Hospice of Montgomery.
Her memorial services will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, Lincoln Road; visitation Sunday afternoon 4-6 p.m. and Chapel and graveside services Monday, July 28 at 11:00.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.leak-mc.com.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on July 27, 2014.