Janice Kay Smith Rhodes, age 82 of Gainesville, passed away on August 25, 2018.
She was born October 2, 1935 in Reagan, TN to Jake and Maggie (Zimmerly) Smith. She was married to Earl E. Rhodes in 1951. As a full time homemaker, Janice was active while raising three daughters. She was involved in Girl Scouts, Girls Auxiliary, serving refreshments for children’s choir, and other supporting roles for her daughters’ activities. She sewed costumes, prom dresses, curtains, and even a wedding dress shared by her younger two daughters. Janice retired from Sears after 28 years in catalog sales. Her moto was, “Customers are the reason for, not the interruption of, my job.” Janice enjoyed her customers and coworkers at Sears in the Buckhead store and later transferred to Gwinnett Place Mall. She retired after working in the Gainesville store. Along with sewing and crafting, she was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. She also exercised, starting with Jack LaLane, and continued into her Silver Sneakers stage. Janice and her husband also enjoyed traveling.
She was an active member of Riverbend Baptist Church serving continuously in various ministries including nursery and hospitality needs. Her love of the Lord, and love of her family directed her activities and interests. Janice was a devoted wife of 67 years. She became a grandmother at 36 years old and embraced her role as “Granny”. She had an extraordinary way of making her grandchildren and great grandchildren feel special. With her husband, they befriended and lovingly reached out to many through their generosity and kindness. Too numerous to count are those who received her brown bag of tea cakes. Also, a multitude of folks learned to ski or swim and enjoyed fishing because of their invitations to spend time at the lake with them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Jo Ethelyn Smith and Joan Smith Brasher, brother-in-law J G Brasher, and son-in-law J T Broadbent.
She is survived by three daughters Pat Broadbent, Rhonda (Steve) Allen, and Joy Rhodes; eight grandchildren Scott (Stacy) Carpenter, Rachel (Joseph) Meads, Jesse (Karri) Carpenter, Rebecca Carpenter, Michael (Amanda) Allen, Jan (Tony) Webb, Lisa (Eric) Nielsen, Amy (Michael) Briske; sixteen great grandchildren with one on the way; one great great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday August, 28, 2018 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Rev. Maxey Ladd will be officiating. Interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Monday August, 27, 2018 and from 12:30pm – 2:00pm on Tuesday August 28, 2018 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers please send any contributions to Riverbend Baptist Church, 1715 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.
Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.
