Janice Marie Smith

Janice Marie Smith, age 77, passed away Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024, at Wesley Woods Rehabilitation and Care Center in Waco, Texas.

Visitation will be held at Wilkinson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, Waco, Saturday, July 27, at 9:30 a.m., followed at 10:30 a.m. by a funeral service, Dr. Paul Sands officiating. Burial will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery, West, Texas.

Born November 2, 1946, in Waco, Texas, Janice Marie Smith was the daughter of J. B. Smith and Marjorie Jane Harrison Smith. She attended Waco schools and made her profession of faith in Jesus Christ at North Waco Baptist Church. She later became a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Woodway.

In her teens, Janice began what became her lifelong devotion--the care of babies and preschoolers. She retired in 2019 after 45 years of service with the Children’s Ministry of First Baptist Church, Woodway. For many years, she also served in the Mother’s Day Out program, and for five years, as an extended care worker for the Woodway Christian School.

Janice was predeceased by her parents and younger brother, Thomas Keith Smith.

She is survived by her older brother, Barry Lynn Smith, of Hewitt. Janice holds a special place in the memories of a multitude of children and families who loved and trusted “Miss Janice.” In the last several years, Janice received tender and devoted attention from the caregivers of Wesley Woods Care Center, and in her last week, from the compassionate staff of Providence Hospice.

Pallbearers will be members of the First Baptist Woodway deacon body: Brian Boyd, Steve Cunningham, Tom Lindsey, Gerald Purdy, Randy Robison, Tommy Ross, Hank Steen, and Jimmy Talbert.

Donations honoring Janice Smith’s memory may be made to the Children’s Ministry of First Baptist Church of Woodway.

Jesus had selfless people like Janice Smith in mind when he told his disciples, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Janice on her “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.