Joy E. Janies

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joy Elaine Janies, a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Joy, age 89, entered eternal rest with Jesus on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. Joy shared 68 wonderful years in marriage with her devoted husband, “Coach” Lee Janies. Together, they built a legacy of love and resilience, raising two cherished children: Kevin Janies and Vicki Smith. Their joy multiplied by the gift of a grandchild: Marcus Smith. Joy’s faith and family were the cornerstones of her life. She relished her role as a dedicated wife, nurturing mother, and cherished grandmother, and a teacher who always went the extra mile for her students, always offering help, warmth, and a listening ear to those in need. Her spirit of serving was matched only by her devotion to her family and community. A pillar of her faith community, Joy was an active member of Ascension Baptist Church of Gonzales until disease preventing them from attending. She attended many Bible Studies and conferences with her daughter. Joy is lovingly remembered and survived by her children, Vicki Smith and Kevin Janies; daughter-in-law, Debbie Janies; grandchild, Marcus Smith; her sister, Patsy Roach; and her brother, Russell Leach Jr. She joins in eternal peace, her beloved parents, Manuel Leach Sr and Pauline McGraw Leach; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Amandie Janies and Amanda Sonnier Janies. Many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James Roach (Patsy), Curlie and Enola Janies, Earl and Lovinee Young, Jim and Verna Johnson. A Celebration of Life service to honor Joy's life will be held at a later to be determined date. Joy will be buried at Lusk Cemetery in Gonzales, La. In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial gift online to Healing Place Church – Ascension Campus, or a check to Healing Place Church at 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. For the online gift or by check, please put in memo section “Joy Janies Memorial”. Joy’s life was a testament to faith, family, and unwavering kindness. She will be dearly missed, but her love and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. The family would like to thank Katherine Veals for going above and beyond as Joy’s caregiver and newest member of our family. The Gonzales Fire Department for their assistance and treating us with the utmost dignity. Healing Place Church for always helping us with our yard, meals when needed, encouragements and visits and prayer. Nothing was too hard for them to do—such servants hearts. Thanks to Cliff and Charla Johnson for always being there for us.