Janice LaDean Williams
December 18, 1940 – September 2, 2026
Janice LaDean Williams, lovingly known simply as Nana, passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 85.
Born on December 18, 1940, in Marlow, Oklahoma, Janice spent most of her life in Midwest City, where she built a beautiful life centered around her faith, her family, and the people she loved. She also built a fulfilling career at Rose State College, where she dedicated more than 30 years of her life before retiring.
Janice was a loving, compassionate, giving, faithful, and honorable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the kind of person whose love extended far beyond her immediate family. In fact, everyone called her Nana. That was simply who she was. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.
Janice shared 55 years of marriage with the love of her life, Gaylen Williams aka Pop. Their marriage was a testament to a deep and enduring love. Gaylen preceded her in death in 2013.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roberta and Lehman Moore; her sister, Yvonne Burd; and her nephew, Chris Burd.
Janice is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mark Williams and Patricia of Kingston, Oklahoma; Gayla Brown and J Paul of Holiday Island, Arkansas; Leland Williams and Kay of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Charm Strickland and Chad of Midwest City, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Cavicchio and Terry Warstler of Del City, Oklahoma; her brother, Newt Moore and Sherry of Marlow, Oklahoma; her aunt, Lahoma Garrett and Coy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones.
If there was one thing Nana knew how to do, it was make sure everyone was fed. She loved to cook and never wanted anyone around her table to go hungry. Food was one of the ways she showed her love, and being welcomed into Nana's home often meant being offered something to eat—or being encouraged to have just a little more. Among the many sweet memories her family will carry with them is her love of making Root Beer ice cream, a simple favorite that will forever bring a smile to those who knew her.
Janice was creative and hardworking. She sewed clothes for her family and friends and enjoyed making crafts. She loved spending time outside working in her garden, surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. She especially loved birds, with cardinals holding a special place in her heart.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Janice was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Midwest City and loved Jesus deeply. Her love of crosses was reflected throughout her home in a beautiful collection that became another part of what made her space feel uniquely hers.
And then there were the things that made Nana simply Nana.
There were the mornings spent drinking coffee on the back porch. There was her impressive collection of Santas, a reflection of her love for the joy and traditions of Christmas. There were her crosses, her garden, her birds, her sewing, her favorite shows, and the familiar comfort of being in her home.
But more than any collection, recipe, hobby, or tradition, what people will remember most is how she made them feel.
Nana gave generously of herself. She made room for people. She listened to them, loved them, and made them feel like family. She created a home where people could come as they were and know they were welcome.
Janice lived a life of love and faith, and she leaves behind a family and community forever changed for having known her.
She was Nana to everyone. And everyone who knew her was better for it.
Her family will miss her deeply, but they will celebrate the remarkable woman she was, the love she gave so freely, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff at the OU Cancer Center, Red Plains Plumbing, Trinity Hospice, and Baseline Contracting for the care, kindness, support, and compassion shown to Janice and her family. Their help and presence during this time will always be remembered and appreciated.
Services
A celebration of Janice's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Midwest City, with burial to follow at Arlington Memory Gardens.
{In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to First Baptist Church of Midwest City Nursery Center in Janice's memory.}
