Janice Annette Parris

After graduating from Comstock Park High School, Janice attended Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University), where she took a three year Christian education (Evangelical Teacher Training Association) course, graduating in 1957. She used her education mainly in the church, teaching children's Sunday school. Along with her husband, she was involved with Awana and helped out in many areas of the church throughout her life. Her first job was waitressing at the Pig Pen Restaurant. She also worked at Terryberry while attending college. Shortly after graduating from college, she married the love of her life, Bill Parris, after he came home from the Navy in 1957. She continued working at Terryberry until they had their first child, Sheri. Janice then became a stay-at-home mom, and less than two years later they were blessed with a second child, Bill. Shortly after, her husband started his own sign company (Parris Sign Co.), where Janice helped out with some of the bookkeeping and office work. Bill and Janice enjoyed 63 years together until Bill passed away in 2020. On September 19, 2023, after a brief struggle with health issues, Janice joined her Lord and Savior.

Janice, along with her husband, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, hosting many gatherings in their home. She was very involved with her church, teaching children's Sunday school classes and participating in Bible studies. She was also a prayer warrior. She loved reading (especially inspirational, Amish stories), starting her day with morning devotions. She also enjoyed listening to Christian music. She enjoyed many Christian musical artists but her favorites were Bill and Gloria Gaither (The Gaither Vocal Band). She enjoyed attending the Sunday chapel services led by Hubert Broeckert at her residence, Villa Maria Retirement Community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Parris; father, Clyde Noom; mother, Louise Noom; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and David Nielsen; brother and sister-in-law, Eugene C. and Rose Noom; brother-in-law, Mark Travis; and sister-in-law, Alma Malfroid.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheri (Dr. William) Millar; son, William R. (Ruth) Parris; grandchildren Jessica (Jessy) Ouzts, Tanya (Steven) Thomas, Kurt (Amelia) Parris; great-grandchildren Chloe and Blake Ouzts; brothers Duane (Kay) Noom and Randall Noom; sister, Connie Travis; brothers-in-law Russ, Jerry, Chris, John, Kevin, Craig, Michael Parris; sisters-in-law Valerie and Margret; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of William and Janice, memorial contributions may be made to the North Park Baptist Church building fund. Your contribution will be put toward installing a much needed church elevator, which Bill and Janice would have used.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful and caring people who were involved with Mom’s care through CarePatrol, Remote Patient Monitoring, and the Bridging Older Adult Care Program. Also, a special thanks to her village of friends at Villa Maria. Thank you!

There will be a celebration of life service for both Janice and Bill at North Park Baptist Church 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at North Park Baptist Church, 3365 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, with a luncheon following.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.