Janice Marie Alverson McElroy, "Jan", of Vestavia Hills, AL, passed away peacefully and of natural causes at home on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. She was surrounded by her loving family. Jan was born November 2, 1935 in Fairfield, AL and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1953. She attended the University of Alabama and pursued her dream of becoming a nurse by receiving her RN degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1974. Jan had a true gift for serving others. She was conscientious, compassionate and wise. During her 27-year career in nursing, she served hospitals and schools in Arkansas, Texas and Alabama until her retirement in 2001.
Jan's smile and sense of humor always brightened our lives. She delighted in traveling, had an adventurous spirit and was an enthusiastic and curious traveler. She prepared delicious meals, enjoyed knitting, gardening and bird watching, and spending time with her husband Gene and their little dog, Lili. She said that taking care of her family was her greatest joy. Jan was a special mother to her two daughters and an outstanding example of a true family matriarch.
Jan was currently a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church, Vestavia Hills, AL where she joyfully served on the Congregational Care Committee. In past years, she taught Sunday School classes at Fairfield Presbyterian Church and Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, AR. She belonged to the Crescent Club, Sprig O'Holly Garden Club and was a member of Vestavia Country Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Ladelle and Emily Routledge Alverson of Fairfield, AL. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Eugene Gideon McElroy, Jr. and her two beloved daughters, Laura McElroy Brantley, and Leigh McElroy Paeschke (Tim), both of Vestavia Hills, AL.; her Sister Love, Marilyn Alverson Gross (Michael) of Vestavia Hills, AL; nieces Jennifer Gross Chapman (Charles), Frederick, MD, and Elizabeth Gross, Birmingham, AL; brother-in-law William Brown McElroy (Beverly), Charleston, West Virginia; nieces Heather McElroy Butler (Jeff) and their children, Emma and Jack, of Fincastle, VA; and Claire McElroy Chesson (Chris) and daughter, Ruby, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. The family will cherish your memories of Jan shared on her ridoutsvalleychapel.com page. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the following:
Alabama Wildlife Center
100 Terrace Drive
Pelham, AL 35124
First Light Center for Homeless Women and Children
2230 4th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Southminster Presbyterian Church
1124 Montgomery Highway
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
