Janice Hales Mann

Janice, known lovingly by her family as Mema, never met a department store she did not like or a friend she could not spend hours chatting with. She spent over nine decades mastering the art of conversation and building a network of friends. Over the years, she enjoyed spending time with her "Birthday Girls", Golden Age and her neighbors. To her, a day without a phone call or a visit was a day wasted. She leaves behind a family who will miss their annual phone call and song on their birthday because she always enjoyed celebrating her family and friends.

To her family and friends, Mema was not just a grandmother; she was a creator of magic. While she loved the pastel blooms of Spring and the pumpkins of Autumn, Christmas was her true masterpiece. Her grandchildren will forever remember the red and white Christmas tree, the snow covered Christmas village and the warmth of a home that always felt like an invitation to celebrate. She taught us that there is beauty in every season and that no mantle is truly complete without a bit of garland and a lot of love.

For a woman who served as a pastor's wife, dedicated church member, and Sunday School teacher, she served over 60 years at Gethsemane OFWB Church and St. Mary's Church. She spent her life planting seeds of faith in the hearts of others. She also loved making the world a beautiful place through her rose garden. She is survived by her family who will continue to tend the spiritual garden she planted so many years ago.

Leaving behind to honor and cherish Janice's legacy are her daughters, Pamela Gaskins and Theresa Heath; grandchildren, Johnathon Gaskins and his wife, Teri, Brandon Gaskins and his wife, Melissa, Lonni Beth Price and her husband, Graham, and Taylor Heath and his fiancé, Olivia; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Richie, Christopher, Parker, Levi, JohnDavid, Henry, and Robin; and many loving family members and close friends.

Janice is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Lonnie Mann; sons-in-law, Ralph Gaskins and Donald Heath; granddaughter, Blair Heath; brother, Gerald Hales; and sister-in-law, Essie Hales.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park. A celebration of Janice's life will begin at 12:00 pm. Following the service, Janice will be laid to rest beside her husband, Lonnie.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Gentiva Hospice.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Janice Hales Mann.