Janice Wilcox

Janice Mavie Rees Wilcox of Burnet, Texas passed away peacefully May 11, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Hammond, Louisiana surrounded in love by family.

Janice was born February 9, 1941, in Beeville, Texas to Florene and John “Cookie” Rees. She graduated from Richardson High School and made her way to California where she worked briefly before returning to Texas. After meeting Bill Berry “Butch” Wilcox, the man who would become her husband of 54 years, they finally settled in Burnet, Texas where they built a beautiful family with two daughters Ginger G Wilcox Riley and Melissa Rees Wilcox Blaylock while also building a family funeral business. Janice continued in the business until 2020.

Janice was passionate about many things, but most of all her family. Not one to step into the spotlight, she often lead quietly and generously from the side. She loved and was devoted to her husband, daughters and her grandson Ty who was the light of her life. She was altruistic to her community as well and gave of herself through volunteer work. With her service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Janice devoted herself to helping others. She served in all offices as well as President and was recognized as outstanding member by her chapter & district. Additionally, she served as the1st Lady of Burnet as she lovingly supported her husband the Mayor and the community.

Beyond being altruistic Janice was loving, caring, classy, driven, smart, funny, organized, creative and beautiful—inside and out. She led a very full life and accomplished life. She reveled in the strong bonds she built over the years with her numerous friends, many of whom have shared 40 years of family ups and downs. She often traveled from the sea to the mountains with her friends to fun spots like Mexico and Santa Fe where she proved to be the “Shopping Queen.” She could also be found playing Bridge and attending many theater outings with the “Culture Club.”

While cultivating beautiful flower gardens with the greenest thumb in Burnet, she loved to watch the birds and other animals come to her many feeders. She also loved being on the water and often spent time cruising in her boat, pulling daring skiers, and admiring the flora and fauna of Lake Buchanan in the beautiful Hill Country. Frequently she and Butch’s lake house served as party central where they entertained family and friends. Janice graciously hosted the soirées where one and all were welcome. An interior decorator at heart, she often redecorated her home or those of family and friends. A smart business woman, she continued her work for the the funeral home, once owned a flower shop and even managed a lake store in the 1980s where she occasionally rocked a two-piece swimsuit. An animal enthusiast, Janice rescued many animals and gave them very comfortable lives, including a fledgling screech owl that she raised. Her last pet, dear Lucy, spent the rest of her life shadowing Janice’s every move.

Janice was a member of Vanderveer Street Church of Christ where she attended Bible Class and Sunday service, after which she would have lunch with her friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bill Berry “Butch” Wilcox. She is survived by her daughters Ginger Wilcox-Riley and fiancé Chris Wilson of Burnet and Melissa Blaylock and son-in-law Wilson of Hammond, LA., and grandson Ty Riley of Burnet, currently attending Texas A & M. She is also survived by three sisters Tiffani Bolin and spouse Belinda Sessions of Washington, Phyllis Howard of Burnet and Carol Brown and spouse Lonny of Magnolia, TX. There are also numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends who mourn her passing and will miss her light.

The family will receive guests for a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, in the Chapel of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet with Tim Denton officiating. A private family entombment will follow at the Wilcox Family Mausoleum at Post Mountain Cemetery in Burnet.

In place of usual remembrances the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Hill Country Community Foundation in memory of Janice Wilcox, P.O. Box 848, Burnet, TX 78611. Words of comfort can be shared with the family online at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com. Service is under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

“But tell of days in goodness spent; A mind at peace with all below; A heart whose love is innocent!”