Janice Taylor Whittaker

Janice Taylor Whittaker passed away on Friday, July 15, 2016, at the age of 89, after enjoying a life of love, faith, and music. Janice was born on July 1, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and began singing at the Plains Presbyterian Church at age 4. After completing her education at Sample School and Mars High School, Janice received a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Janice then enjoyed teaching music in the Ellwood City school system for a number of years. In 1954, she married Dr. Arthur Whittaker. The couple moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where they raised their family. Janice directed the Monday Musical Junior Club for 15 years and was a member of the Poland United Methodist Choir for 30 years. Upon moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1992, Janice joined the Worthington United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for the next 23 years. She was an active member and former president of both the Worthington Music Club and the Sonata Unit of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Janice was also a member of the local chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.). Janice was a devoted mother and grandmother and cherished the friendships she made through church, choir, and music clubs. Family and friends adored Janice's cheerful character and kind and generous heart. They will treasure memories of her and the musical joy she shared on holidays and birthdays, and throughout the year. Janice was preceded in death by her parents Olive and George Taylor. She is survived by her three daughters, Lani Davakis (Nick) of Columbus, Alisa Breisacher (Kevin) of Cleveland, and Bea Jaye Whittaker (Kathleen) of San Diego, as well as her five grandchildren, Karen, Rachel, Christopher, and Caroline Davakis, and Jocelyn Breisacher. She is also survived by her brother Gene (Corina) Taylor of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and his children, Joyce Webster, and Scott, Gary, Lance, and Ron Taylor. A Funeral Service for family and friends will be held 11:00 am Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High St., Worthington, OH, with Rev. Cyndy Garn officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The burial and a family service will take place at 11:00 am Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Plains Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, 16066. Contributions may be made in Janice's memory to the Worthington United Methodist Church, Worthington, OH 43085 or the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215. Local Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd.