Janice H Rader

Janice Hancock Rader, age 83, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025. Born on July 3, 1942, in Nashville, TN, Janice was the daughter of the late William L. Hancock Jr. and Ina Benson Hancock.

Janice graduated from Central High School in Nashville and briefly attended Middle Tennessee State University. She began her career at Gulf Oil, starting as a temporary employee and working her way up as secretary. Later, she served as a secretary for many years with the Tennessee Crop Improvement Association, affiliated with the University of Tennessee’s agriculture department. After her department closed, Janice returned to school at Columbia State Community College, earning a degree as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, a field in which she worked until her retirement.

Janice was known for her fiery spirit—ornery and outspoken, with a strong will and no filter, yet deeply loving, caring, and grounded in her faith. She was a devoted member of Center Chapel Church of Christ in Mt. Juliet.

She found joy in many things: reading, crossword puzzles, cheering for the Nashville Predators, and tending to her flower garden. A true history buff, she was especially interested in the Civil War and World War II. She loved going on cruises, knitting at every opportunity, and caring for animals. In her younger years, she even rode horses bareback. Music brought her happiness—especially the voices of Elvis, Tom Jones, and Rod Stewart. She also enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows to unwind.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Kenneth) Smith; her sister-in-law, Janice Hancock, Julie (Ron) Gleason; niece, Amy (George) Sims; nephew, Brian (Melissa) Hancock; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ina Hancock; her husbands, Louis T. Bell and Wayne Rader; and her brothers, Mark Hancock and Edgar Hancock.

Janice’s family and friends will forever remember her strength, sharp wit, and unwavering love.