Audrey Janice (Ward) Lumpkin

Audrey Janice Lumpkin, aged 97, passed from this life August 4, 2023, and was survived by her husband Carol Ray Lumpkin, of nearly 78 years, in Watauga, Texas. She was born on December 4, 1925, in Thalia, Texas, to Thomas and Stella Ward.

Janice was the fourth of nine children and was preceded in death by siblings: Jewel, Zelma, Edmond, Nora, S. L., and James. She is survived by siblings Beth and Jimmy. In her childhood, Janice and her family lived on small farms throughout West Texas. Janice vividly recalled how her life was shaped by surviving the Great Depression in the large family of a tenant farmer in West Texas. Janice labored in the cotton fields, often missing school, but taught herself to progress through the grades.

As a high school senior, Janice competed in a statewide oratory event, reciting the Gettysburg Address, something she could recite into her nineties, earning a scholarship to The Draughon School of Business in Wichita Falls because of this achievement. After graduating from Crowell High School in Foard County in 1944, Janice briefly attended this school before starting to work at the Sheppard Field Post Exchange. Janice met Carol, a Staff Sergeant at Sheppard Field, at the church of Christ in Wichita Falls, Texas, and they married August 18, 1945. Carol served in the Army Air Corps until February 13, 1946, and the couple moved to Vernon, Texas.

Janice and Carol welcomed their first child, Phillip Ray, in 1946. The family of three moved to Marvell, Arkansas, where two daughters, Vernell and Angela, were born into the family.

Janice encouraged Carol to utilize the GI Bill to attend Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas. Upon Carol’s graduation, he moved Janice and the family to Sylvan Hills, Arkansas, to begin his full-time work as a gospel preacher. They prioritized their faith and service to the Lord all their lives, sharing their faith with generations to come. Throughout her lifetime, Janice shared her wisdom of the scriptures as a Bible class teacher and member.

Janice was committed to her roles as a devoted wife and mother. Her family raved about her meals, especially homemade cinnamon rolls for the kids, fruit cobblers for her husband, and crescent dinner rolls for guests. As a self-taught seamstress, Janice dressed herself and her daughters in clothing she designed and sewed. She loved flowers and spent much time working in her flower beds. Janice enjoyed making floral arrangements for her home. She also enjoyed crocheting doilies and afghans.

When her oldest child, Phil, started college, Janice began working outside the home to aid in providing educational opportunities for their children. Janice and Carol supported their children’s professional careers with Phil an Air Force pilot, Vernell a public school teacher, and Angela a college professor.

As a preacher’s wife, Janice was a dedicated Christian and beloved companion throughout her life. Janice is survived by her husband, Carol, and children—Phillip (Pat), Vernell (Larry), and Angela; five grandchildren (Heather, Melissa, Aaron, Amanda, and Nathan); and nine great-grandchildren who lovingly knew her as Hers.