Janice Marie Walker

Janice Marie Walker was born on December 5, 1951, in Newton, Mississippi (MS) to her proud parents, Henry Hoover and Johnnie Mae Walker. Janice, a woman whose life was a testament to being of service, Southern grace, and faith, passed away on May 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, hope, courage, and generosity.

Janice grew up in Mississippi among a devoted family, a gracious extended family, and caring neighbors. She received her high school diploma from Brinkley High in Jackson, MS, in 1969. She continued to live and work in Jackson until the early 1980’s when she relocated to California (CA), initially living in Monterey, and later moving to Los Angeles to be near her mother and sister.

She eventually found a spiritual home at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. Her devotion never wavered. Even after moving from the city of Los Angeles to the suburb of Covina, she remained a cherished, dependable member of the congregation. In time, she found other church homes closer to her residence but remained connected to the Triedstone community.

Janice's calling was one of profound care. She dedicated her professional life to serving others, beginning as a live-in caregiver for the elderly. This passion for nurturing culminated in her most significant achievement: co-founding, with her mother, two foster care homes in Covina. For nearly 25 years, Janice opened her heart and home to children providing them with stability and guidance. Her exemplary service was formally recognized by the City of Covina, a testament to the profound impact she had on those she served.

All who interacted with Janice were warmed by her style that reflected the soft, easy flow of a person born and raised with old-fashioned, heart-centered values. Indeed, Janice was the opposite of a fast-talking, aggressive, big city businessperson. Yet, besides being a foster care mother, Janice owned and managed residential property in three states (Mississippi, Texas, and California). In addition, she was known by family and friends as the “go-to” person when folks needed help finding a high-quality used car at the right price.

Those blessed to know Janice will forever remember the warmth of her hospitality, especially during the holiday season. The meals served at her table were legendary. Of course, Mama Johnnie Mae “contributed,” well maybe more than contributed. Smile!

She was also a fearless road-trip enthusiast. Her journeys, powered by a well-stocked console of gospel, Anita Baker, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, etc., a cooler full of food, and a ready-to- drive-until-the-gas-gauge-hit-"E" attitude, made traveling with her fun and easy.

Alzheimer’s stole so much from her in her last years, including the loss of her independence. In the summer of 2021, Janice moved to Sacramento to live with her mother (who was diagnosed with dementia), sister, and brother-in-law. Soon after relocating to Sacramento, Janice moved a few miles away from her family into a residential facility where she received full-time care. And still, she continued to shine brightly. She continued to be feisty. She laughed and danced with you even when she didn’t always know who you were or where she was. Janice loved and appreciated us all ‘til the end.

Janice is survived by her siblings: Martha “Marti” (Paul) McClellan-Morehouse, Diane Walker, Thomas (Toni) Walker, Henry “H L” (Marcia) Walker, … and dearly remembered by nieces, nephews, extended family members, her godchildren, her foster children, community members, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Hoover Walker, Sr. and Johnnie Mae McClellan, and her brothers, Henry Hoover Walker, Jr. and Kennis Hardy.

There have been several private celebrations of Janice’s life. In lieu of a large, more public celebration of her life, it is suggested that on her birthday, December 5, 2025, say a prayer for a loved one or for a world in need of healing. Ask the ancestors to intercede and help guide us toward what we need so that we can do and be better. Perhaps you feel more comfortable raising a glass of your favorite beverage and telling Janice “Jan” how much she is missed. Please know that however you choose to honor her, we, her family, appreciate you.

If you are inclined to share stories about Jan or wish to offer condolences to the family, feel free to post memories, thoughts, feelings, terms of endearment, and/or prayers.

Blessings upon you! And thank you for your love and kindness.