Janice (“Jan”) was born on February 4, 1925, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Elmer E. and Cecil P. (Manuwal) Smith. She was the oldest of the ten Smith children.
Her faith and devotion to the Lord, and to her family, were her greatest accomplishments. In her early years, she served the Lord in the music and teaching ministries of many churches in Indiana, Hawaii, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Most recently, she attended and was a member of Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas. Janice was always willing to share the love of God with everyone she met.
Janice earned her bachelor degree from Apostolic Bible Institute in Saint Paul, Minnesota and later graduated Cum Laude from Dominican College in Racine, Wisconsin where she earned her teaching degree. She taught grade school for several years, then remained active as a substitute teacher for many years.
When life blessed her with grandchildren, Janice dedicated much of her time to their care. She taught them countless hymns and rocked them to sleep.
Janice was gifted in a variety of ways, and she shared those gifts with others throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed playing the piano and accordion, and even ventured out to take ukulele lessons in her seventies. In her early years, Janice traveled the country as part of a women’s gospel trio; then, in later years, played the piano at many church and civic functions. She also enjoyed writing poetry, acting in plays, and writing. In 2000, Janice was named Miss Congeniality at the Ms. Texas Senior Pageant. To those that knew her, this was no surprise as Janice was very outgoing – she never met a stranger and loved everyone.
Janice lived at Discovery Village in Lewisville, Texas where she was involved in multiple activities including Scrabble, Bingo, and Quarters. In 2015, she won 1st place in the Annual Talent Show at Discovery Village. Always active, Janice was also a member of the Green’s Fellowship Senior Group where she found joy in playing the piano. Janice’s spirit will forever live on in her family and by the lasting impression she made on everyone she met. Full of life and energy up until her final days, her kind words spoken, her sense of humor, and her ability to truly embrace the richness of life will forever be remembered by those she touched. Janice will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by; husband Clyde Elgon Mabry, grandson, Bryent Isbell, great-grandchildren, Carson Mabry and Dakota Bennett; siblings, Miriam Eby, Leon R. Smith, Ruth Marshall, Naomi Smethers, Elmer D. Smith, Judy Strouse, and Carolyn Smith.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her six children: Julie (Mark) Henry of Coppell, Texas, Daniel (Joanie) Mabry of Weyauwega, Wisconsin, Marsha Mabry-Isbell of Carrollton, Texas, Mona (Mike) Woodhouse of Lewisville, Texas, Mana Mabry-Graham (Bob) of Carrollton, Texas, and E. Brent (Jonna) Mabry of Denton, Texas; 15 grandchildren, Mark Jr. (Nikki), Jennifer (Jarred), Dena (John), Steve (Lisa), Shana (Travis), Joseph (Heather), Justin, Samantha, Sarah, Kyle, Brittany, Meriah, Jaime, Dylan, Aaron (Ashley); 18 great-grandchildren, Maison, MyKenzie, Harper, Henry, Holland, Hayes, Danielle, Devan, Delana, Clark, Colton, Tucker, Tommy, Katie, Hailey, Savannah, Noah, and Landon; and two brothers, Tom Smith and Tim Smith, both of Osceola, Indiana.
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A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 10am at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home located at 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, Texas 75252. Those wishing to send condolences or sign the online guestbook may visit www.teddickeywestfuneral.com.
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