Janice Speed Christian

She was born May 9, 1939, in Columbia, Tennessee, to Gentry and Mary Hunter Speed. Janice was raised in Gallatin and later moved to Lewisburg, where she graduated from Marshall County High School. She came to Nashville in 1958 to attend David Lipscomb College and later earned her degree from Middle Tennessee State College in 1962. Janice devoted her early years to teaching Home Economics at Maplewood High School.

Janice shared 51 years of marriage with her husband, C. Oakley Christian, Jr., who preceded her in death on September 24, 2016.

A faithful member of the West End Church of Christ for 60 years and later The Church of Christ in Green Hills, Janice lived a life centered on faith, community, and hospitality. She was an avid gardener and an active member of the Green Hills Garden Club and The Woman’s Club of Nashville. Janice loved entertaining and spending time with her many lifelong friends, and she had a gift for forming new friendships wherever she went.

For more than 50 years, Janice was a devoted supporter of Lipscomb Academy football, rarely missing a Friday night game.

Janice is survived by her son, Oakley (Angela) Christian; her daughter, Mary Beth (Tom) Herring; and her grandchildren, Connor Christian, Mimi Herring Healy (Patrick), Walker Christian, Kirk Christian, Clay Herring, and Ava Hamlett.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:30pm. A graveside service will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Her beloved grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to The Church of Christ in Green Hills, 3805 Granny White Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37204.