Janice Betty Abel

She was born November 1, 1922 in Savanna, Oklahoma, one of three girls. Growing up between there and Norman, she began her journey to becoming the loving, Christian, and strong willed woman we all knew her as and loved. Janice attended The University of Oklahoma in Norman, and through the Baptist Student Union, she met her “better half”, her true love Lowell Abel. They were married in Norman in 1945 and remained by each other’s side faithfully for 68 years, until he passed away February 2014.

Janice & Lowell are survived by their 4 daughters, Marsha Harrington, Shelley Abel, Marilyn Taylor and husband, David, and Carrie Sarabia and husband, Sonny; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Janice spent her years on this earth loving and giving to all. She raised her daughters and nurtured her marriage in a home she built on love and service. She was the utmost example of a family’s true matriarch, showing the meaning of caring for thy neighbor through her own actions. She was honest, held herself to the highest standards, and expected the same from all of those around her. She never went a day without her hair done, her clothes ironed, and her husband sharply dressed. She had her grip on life and taught her family the value of high standards combined with a warm heart. She rocked her cheetah print, believed firmly in the power of “Merry Christmas”, held tight our hands while praying before every meal, and wore a smile that was worth a 1000 words. She spread her love through food and sewing, being sure that no belly was left hungry, no Christmas was spent without a handmade stocking, and no heart was left without love ... and she will forever be known for her famous and undeniably, one-of-a-kind homemade cinnamon rolls.

Janice was an active member of her sewing club, garden club, camping club, making as many wonderful friends as crafts. Janice was a dedicated Christian, attending First Baptist Spring Branch, and taught her family to love and cherish Jesus in their hearts. Her prayers were a reflection of her love, praying for everyone around her, near and far, but never for herself. She whispered her prayers out loud until her final moments on this earth, always thankful for all that she had been given. May eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Her faith was strong, and her charisma even stronger. She was the meaning of home to so many of us. Her heart was feisty, happy, and warm, and impacted the world she lived in. She will forever and always be cherished.

Services at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston TX at 10 am on January 3, 2020.

Flower arrangements and donations in Janice's name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the SPCA organizations at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate