Janice Ladoris Edwards

Janice LaDoris Edwards, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama. She was born on December 13, 1938, in Battles Wharf, Alabama, to Annie Ruth Lewis Stanton Madison and William Ernest Stanton III. 

Affectionately known as “Jan” to her siblings, “Janice L.” to her friends, “Mama” to her children, “Granny” to her grandchildren, and “Gigi” to her great-grandchildren, Janice lived a life marked by intelligence, faith, warmth, integrity, and unmistakable elegance. 

Janice began her professional career at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Alabama, the U.S. Postal Service in Cleveland, Ohio, and General Electric in Fort Wayne, Indiana—overcoming significant barriers as an African American woman of her era. She later worked as a telephone operator during the switchboard years and went on to build a distinguished career in phone sales with BellSouth, where she was employed from 1968 until her retirement in 2001. Exceptionally bright and hardworking, she learned to read at age four and was famously knowledgeable, particularly in trivia. 

She married William E. Harris, and together they lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, where they raised their children. She later married musician Johnny Lewis, a longtime and cherished friend, and later Carl Edwards, with whom she joyfully embraced what she fondly called “A Whole New World.” 

A lifelong lover of books and orchids, Janice was devoted to learning and community. She was an active participant in book clubs and founded one whenever none existed. Her favorite novels included Redeeming Love and The Thorn Birds. She enjoyed playing gin rummy, bid whist, and solitaire, always keeping her sharp mind engaged. Known for her poise and impeccable style, she was admired for her elegance and impressive shoe collection. She was a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins, inspired by their undefeated 1972 season, and proudly supported the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Janice grew up in Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Mobile and later became a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she served as Secretary of the Gulf States Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She taught Sunday School, led after-school Bible studies, and later served as head of volunteers for the program. Guided by strong moral convictions, Janice was deeply honest and principled, firmly believing in doing what was right. She consistently taught her children and family the importance of telling the truth and living with integrity, and she would never take advantage of any system or circumstance for personal gain. 

Later in life, Janice embraced new beginnings with determination and joy. Within a few years, she returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree, purchased her first home, and remarried. She also served as President of the Residents’ Council at her senior living community in Birmingham. 

Janice attended Alabama Lutheran Academy in Selma and graduated from Central High School in Mobile, Alabama. She loved seafood, jazz, and gospel music and was known for her meticulous planning and the care she put into every meal she prepared. 

She lived by words that reflected her values and wisdom, including: “I love you more,” “To be good is to be great, but to be great is excellent,” and “Love has to be free, not coerced.” A forgiver by nature, she held no grudges and exemplified grace and compassion. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Loventriss Madison, Martin Madison, Carolyn Madison, and William Ernest Stanton IIII; and her husbands William E. Harris, Johnny Lewis, and Carl Edwards. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her children Donald I. Harris, Donnella I. Barron, Rochelle E. Hendricks (Stephen), and Roderick E. Harris; her siblings Margie Madison, Constance Diane Thomas (Nathaniel), Major Madison Jr. (Benita), Joyce Pattway, Adrian Safford (Burl), Sheila Madison, Calvin Stanton, and Reginald Madison; her grandchildren Jared Barron (Elonda), Natalie Andrews (Chris), Diamond Bradley, Roderick Harris II, Dmitri Harris, Tristan Harris, Cordell Harris, and Ashley Jackson (William); 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a host of nieces and nephews, and dear friends Lillian Bush, Patricia Edwards, Velma Thompson, and Carol Bruno. 

Special acknowledgment is given to Rochelle and Stephen Hendricks, who devoted themselves lovingly to Janice’s care during the final six years of her life, with Stephen providing extraordinary time, dedication, and compassion. As well as Ms. Pat Edwards as an especially close friend and caregiver, who stayed with Ms Edwards until she drew her final breath to support her daughter Rochelle.

Janice LaDoris Edwards lived a full, faithful, and principled life. Her legacy of honesty, excellence, love, and grace will continue through the generations she inspired and the many lives she touched.