Remembering My Aunt Janice

Later today we will have the memorial service for my Aunt Janice. My cousin was named her executor and has been swiftly pulling all the arrangements together. The memorial will be streamed from the lone star state, so no risk of Covid-19 exposure for Stan or myself. She was my father’s, incredible, younger sister. She was a brilliant teacher, loving caretaker, and she absolutely adored children. She was independent, incredibly patient, and very easy to talk to. She was only 69 and had recently overcome stage IV cancer, an accomplishment on its own. You can hear a little bit about what she meant to me in a clip I’ve prepared for the service.

Janice’s Obituary Reads:

Janice Marie Leach went to be with her Lord on January 16th, 2022 at her residence in Brownwood Texas at the age of 69 years.  Janice was born in Brownwood on March 14, 1952 to two loving parents, who preceded her in death.  She is survived by her brother of Williamsburg, Virginia. and nephews of Farmington, NH and of Williamsburg VA. Her very close friends, will also miss her devoted, determined spirit.  

Janice was known for her love of family, her devotion to Christ, and her passion for education. As a child, Janice attended Sixth Street Church of Christ in Brownwood and Bangs Church of Christ with her family and continued into adulthood when she also attended the Early Church of Christ. Janice was adored by her Aunt Zorita in San Angelo, another elementary teacher, and “adopted” into Zorita’s large family as she spent many holidays, summers and even lived a few years with her Aunt while she was going to school.  Janice was a lifelong student of the scripture, active member of the Church of Christ, and teacher of Sunday Bible school and church camps. Aiding, educating, and guiding children is where Janice’s light always shone brightest.  

Janice received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University in and went on to teach at Early Primary School in Early ISD for more than 2 decades.  Janice was a highly regarded and inspirational Kindergarten teacher that brought creativity, energy, and fun to every lesson. She gave every ounce of her passion for learning and provided open, unconditional, affirming love to all of her students. Janice was a mentor, leader, and friend to many of her fellow teachers, parents, and former students.

Early in adulthood she valued spending quality time with her family, attending yearly family reunions, horseback riding, as well as researching the family genealogy. In later years Janice attended her aging parents, fortified her spiritual self, found a fervor for journaling, and focused on strengthening her faith community. She recently overcame stage IV lung cancer and never let it define her positive attitude or resolve for life.