Janice Marie Davis

It is with love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janice Marie Ward Davis of Gilmer, Texas, on September 14, 2024, at the age of 65 years. She was born on November 6, 1958, to Herman Arleigh and Edith Ozell Harris Ward. She married her best friend, Coy Eugene "Gene" Davis, on December 28, 1984. This year marks 40 years of their life together. Janice and Gene have one daughter, Brittany Ann Davis Gowin, and son in law, Randy Gowin. Janice loved the outdoors. From her beautiful flower gardens spanning the majority of her two-acre homestead, to the Azalea Trails of Tyler, to the Dallas Arboretum, to the many road trips looking at Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes, and to the many fall road trips taken to see the multicolored foliage. She loved to travel with her husband, but refused to step foot on an airplane. So whether it was Salt Lake City, Utah in the winter; Santa Fe, New Mexico in the summer; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the fall, or a hundred places in between, she and Gene enjoyed life on the road. In 2009, she became a journeyman electrician for Davis Electric, and spent each day side by side her husband. When she wasn't working with Gene, she was on Pinterest. From cross stitch, to baking, to various creative holiday crafts, Janice enjoyed creating items that brought joy into the world. She loved hosting parties--whether it was for individuals or large groups, she loved using her crafty talents to bring people together for good. Known as "Little Miss Sunshine" to many, she was always willing to volunteer to bring happiness into the lives of others. When it came to touching someone's soul, Janice always seemed to know when a word or gesture of comfort was needed. Janice was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized on November 22, 1966. She and Gene were sealed for time and all eternity in the Dallas, Texas temple on April 10, 1993. Throughout her years of service in the church she held many callings of which she served vigilantly. She loved hosting group celebrations for the Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, Young Single Adults, and Couples activities. Those left to carry on her memory include her daughter Brittany, her husband Randy, their son Colin and his wife Jordin, and daughter Hannah, all of Emory. She is survived by her three sisters and five brothers Michael and Virginia Ward Denton of Gilmer, Larry and Lana Ward Smith of Rosewood, David and Judy Ward of East Mountain, Randy and Joycelyn Ward of Pine Tree, Elwyn and Terry Ward of Kelsey, Danny and JoAnn Ward McBride of Kelsey, Kevin Ward of Kelsey, Fred Ward of Rain Tree Lakes, and 29 Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Davis; her parents Herman Arleigh Ward and Edith Ozell Harris Ward; her brothers Herman Oscar Ward, Harold Arleigh Ward, Ragnald Ocoho Ward; and sister Judy Carolyn Ward White. The family extends gratitude and love to the amazing teams of Hospice of East Texas and Choice Hospice, who cared for the family as a whole throughout the past month of her and Gene's hospice journey. Additionally, the family is grateful to all the staff of the UT Health East Texas Hope Cancer Center, the UT Health Tyler North and Main campuses. To the family and friends who have extended their love and service over the years, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held at McWhorter Funeral Home on Friday, September 20, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please visit Janice’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Janice Marie Davis

November 6, 1958 - September 14, 2024