Janelle Hartwick Doyle

Janelle Hartwick Doyle was born August 7, 1924, in Anson, Texas. She died December 24, 2015 at Oakdale Nursing Center in Judsonia, Arkansas. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and received a Master's of Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Lonnie A. Doyle, Jr. Together they served as Southern Baptist missionaries to Brazil for 39 years (1949-1988). They were loved missionaries and friends to the Brazilian people. Janelle's gift of hospitality and encouragement made people comfortable in their home, and there was always room for "one more" at the table.

Janelle was a gifted communicator, and made missions "come alive" with stories about the people and situations she and her family encountered during their 39 years of service with the International Mission Board in Richmond, Virginia. Before leaving Brazil, the Baptist women honored her by naming the newly established orphanage "Lar Batista Janelle Doyle" - the Janelle Doyle Baptist Home. It continues even today - ministering ''to the least of these" by being the hands and feet of Jesus to many orphans in Manaus.

Janelle is survived by five children, Teegee and Felix Thompson, of Bryan, David and Pam Doyle, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Margaret and Mike McNabb, of Pangburn, Arkansas, Robert and Eva Doyle, of Waco, and Elizabeth and Greg Smith, of Lewisville. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. There will be a visitation from 9:00 to 10:00am at the church prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Moses Project (designated for the orphanage "Lar Batista Janelle Doyle") P.O. Box 132707, Tyler, Texas 75713.