Janice was born on August 31, 1946, to Alf and Esther Anderson in Bosque County, Texas. She grew up in Cranfills Gap with her two brothers and sister. Janice graduated as valedictorian of Cranfills Gap High School in 1964.
A loving marriage to Charles Newsom thrived for 33 years. During those years Janice was a devoted mother and operated an in-home child care facility. For many years she diapered, fed, watched the first steps, potty-trained, and helped many little ones learn right from wrong. She closed the daycare and then began a career sewing at the Walls Factory in Hamilton. Amongst the work, she always found time to support and cheer for her children and nieces and nephews on the courts, fields, tracks and show barns all around central Texas.
Janice was very active in the local chapter of the Young Homemakers of Texas. She served as state vice-president for one year and was elected and served as the state president of the Young Homemakers of Texas in 1979.
She became a very active supporter of the Hamilton area youth by her involvement with the 4-H Youth Development Program. She taught many girls and boys in the foods and nutrition classes, as well as sewing. She judged countless county, district and state food shows and county fairs. Her involvement extended beyond the local level as well when she was a sponsor for the Texas 4-H group that attended the 1986 National 4-H Congress. Janice loved teaching and inspiring youth to dream big and reach their goals.
In the late 1980’s Charles and Janice moved to the Burnet area. She supported Charles in his work and later in his life. When Charles passed away in 1997, she continued to live in the Burnet area. She worked at the Seton Highland Lakes Hospital cafeteria for many years providing healthy and tasty meals for patients, families and the community. Her passion was friendly service with a smile and often a laugh. That friendly face was most recently serving the customers at WalMart in the fabric department.
In 2002, she married Roger ‘Bud’ Lorenz and they began travelling the world. Trips included cruises to Alaska and Mexico, Mount Rushmore and numerous trips to Colorado in the fall to see the foliage changing colors. Many trips revolved around the grand children as well… it could be a livestock show in Houston, a rodeo in Marble Falls, a cross country race in Oklahoma, a show choir competition in Branson or a cheer competition in Springtown. Being involved and supporting her children and grandchildren was important to her. She treasured every one of those moments. And they sure enjoyed their hugs from Granny knowing that she loved them. Her latest delight was her great grandson Archer…and having to upgrade to a smart phone so she could see the latest videos and photos of the little man.
Janice suffered a brain aneurism on February 13th and was hospitalized until her passing. Janice is survived by her husband, Roger Lorenz; her son, Jay Newsom and partner Michele Hibbitts; her son, Joey Newsom and wife Leah; grandsons Nathan Newsom and Trey Newsom and his wife Danielle and great grandson Archer Daniel Newsom; granddaughter Wendy Tankersly; grandson Quinton Quiroz; grandson Waylon Hibbitts; and many nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Janice is preceded in death by her parents Alf and Esther Anderson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmo and Mildred Newsom; her husband Charles Newsom; her brothers Sherrill and Merrill Anderson and sister Ann Anderson; her niece Michelle Outlaw and nephew Mitchell Anderson.
Though her death was sudden, it could not overcome her love for and faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith gave her joy and peace and the infectious laugh that touched so many people. She was prepared for her next step into eternity, eagerly anticipating worshipping her Savior and Lord.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a gift made to Hamilton County 4-H. The funds will provide a scholarship for aspiring young people to attend the National 4-H Congress in Washington, D.C. Make checks payable to: Hamilton County 4-H
Mail checks to: Joey Newsom 707 S. New Haven Ave. Tulsa, OK 74112
