Today, people are talking about the death of Dolly Parton and her impact on the world around us. There is no getting around it–she was the whole package. Someone who was a wonderful songwriter, a poet, a singer, an actor, and full of faith. She made the world better just by being in it!

But today, I want to honor another woman who passed from this life into eternal life on the same day. She had a great influence on everyone who came within her realm. There are not enough words for me to explain the example she was to me and many others. I met her at church shortly before my husband and I married. She quickly took me under her wings like she did for so many of the younger women in our church. She was certainly a mentor to many of us. She was one of the kindest and wisest women I have had the privilege of knowing.

She was famous in our circles for her hospitality. Her home was always open, and the kitchen was always busy. She made a peach cobbler that was one of the most popular desserts at the many potlucks our church had. She hosted Bible studies and home teams up until a year before her health became challenging.

Not only was she someone who made people feel at home, she wasn’t afraid to open her home to others. Whether it was a place to stay overnight or longer, she didn’t hesitate to share her resources with others. She heard of a family who lived far away in Missouri who needed a place to stay while their child was treated at Children’s Hospital. She issued the invitation for them to come and they did, along with the multiple children they homeschooled. For several years they made the trek to Janice’s home while their daughter received treatment. Now they are family. Missionaries, homeless, heartbroken, and more–she mothered them, prayed for them, and blessed them.

Janice was also one of the original coupon clipping queens. From the time I first knew her she shared her coupon savings with others. Back when coupons were still printed, she would seek out the best deals and rebates out there. She could make her household money go farther than anyone I know. Plus she made nutritious, healthy meals. Her ham and beans were the best I have ever had. I suspect even if money had not been tight, she still would have found it a challenge to get the best value for her money! Originally from Kentucky, one weekend I and another friend went to the 100 mile garage sale with her. We laughed so hard and found some of the best bargains ever. When we ate at a restaurant and then went to sit in the rockers on the porch (not Cracker Barrel), the manager joined us and Janice had his whole life story and talked to him about Jesus before we left.

Next to my dad, I have never known anyone who loved babies so much! She was a baby whisperer and perfected the football hold. It never failed to put my children to sleep. She was a huge advocate for breast feeding and active in the LaLecha league, mentoring many young mothers and encouraging them. When her daughter was in the hospital having her baby, her nurse told her all about the amazing woman who mentored her when she had her first child. Turns out it was her mother!

She loved others like Jesus loved. No matter where you came from or how you acted, her love was genuine and you knew it. Life was not always easy, with circumstances that were challenging on occasion, but she never let that stop her from loving others.

She saw challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. When her young daughter was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, she advocated for her, learned how to give insulin shots, and adapted her cooking to be healthy for a diabetic. When her husband was misdiagnosed with depression and his whole personality changed, she prayed, stayed patient, and gave it to God. When he was correctly diagnosed with a brain tumor, the whole family followed her lead and supported him and prayed for him. For 17 years he battled one tumor after another until the Lord called him home. During the times of job loss, frustration, and treatments, she remained faithful to God and continued to praise him for his goodness. When other people might walk away, she remained faithful to her calling as a wife, a mother, and a friend.

She and her husband started a business after they found out about the tumor. Doing accounting and taxes, she worked hard to make sure her family had income to sustain them. She always gave thanks to God for meeting their needs during lean times. She and her husband adopted the verse in Joel 2:25-26, as their life verse. “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you;”

I could go on and on about Janice. Her humility, kindness, hospitality, and love for Jesus defined her. The last time I was able to talk with her before she died, she told me, “I want to go home.” Now after a life well-lived, she is there. I cannot imagine a more fitting reward for her than sitting at the banquet table with Jesus. Goodbye for now and I will see you at the table.