Janice Sue Wright

educator, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ—entered the presence of her Savior on

September 10, 2025 at age 88 years. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert

Heffer, and her second husband, James Wright.

Janice was born on April 4, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Aaron and Thelma Aunspaugh. She

was raised in Houston, Texas, where she came to know Jesus as her Savior in the Christian and

Missionary Alliance Church. Her faith remained the foundation of her life, guiding her steps in

family, career, worship in song (voice and piano), and service to others.

Janice graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston before pursuing her calling in

education at Nyack Bible College in Nyack, New York, where she earned her degree in Christian

Education and English. She later completed her Master’s degree and Doctor of Education

degree in Teacher Education at the University of Houston.

Janice’s passion for children and education shaped a lifelong career. She taught in several

elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District and served in numerous

administrative roles before serving as HISD’s Director of Early Childhood Education until her

retirement. She trained and mentored teachers and had specialization in Science and English

literacy, especially with children from different language and culture groups.

Janice also shared her knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration as Instructor, and later as

Visiting Assistant Professor, at the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and St. Thomas

University. She nurtured the professional and personal development of undergraduate and

graduate students in her courses and field experience supervision, always with an emphasis on

practical skills and character development.

Throughout her distinguished career, Janice was active in numerous professional and

educational organizations. She was a member of the Nyack Honors Society and Phi Delta

Kappa, served on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Advancement of Houston, and was a

proud member of the Texas Association of Teacher Education.

Janice’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children Robert Heffer

Jr., and his wife Lisa Heffer; Tami Heffer Gilmore, and her husband David Gilmore; Timothy

Heffer, and his wife Meg Heffer; and Jonathan Heffer, and his wife Lori Heffer; their children,

grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren and extended family. Janice’s legacy of faith,

perseverance, humor, and love for all people lives on through her family and all whose lives

she touched.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to honor what the Lord accomplished

through Janice on Saturday September 20th 11:00 AM-Noon. The service will be held in the

Youth Lower Auditorium at Central Church 1991 FM 158 College Station, Texas 77845.

Following the service, lunch and fellowship will be offered in nearby rooms for all.

Messages about Janice may be uploaded and viewed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/college-station-tx/janice-wright-12517178

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in Janice H. Wright’s name to

https://tjamf.org/Donations.html or to the Great Commission Fund at

https://secure.cmalliance.org/give/

Janice’s life and devotion to the gospel message of Jesus Christ made an enduring impact on

countless students, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family members. She will be deeply

missed and forever cherished. We long for the day when we will be united with our Savior, and

our Mom.

"[Jesus Christ] said to [Janice],‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful

over a little [truly much as the Lord equipped you]. I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of

your [Lord and Savior and King]’’. —Adaptation of Mathew 25:21-22 (ESV)