Janice Anise Lewis

Her Life and Legacy Janice Anise Ward Lewis was born on April 20, 1957, in Mobile, Alabama. She exchanged life for eternity on May 9, 2025. She was the fifth daughter born to Raymond and Cornelia Ward. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Marshall C. Ezell Sr. She began her formal education as a young student at G.W. Carver Elementary School and continued to Mattie T. Blount High School where she graduated in 1975. During her years at Mattie T. Blount High School, she was a member of the Marching Leopards band, where she played the clarinet. She received a scholarship to attend Selma University, where she received an Associate Degree. She continued her education at Alabama State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood education in 1979. After graduation, she began teaching first graders at Grand Bay Elementary School. Janice changed career paths and began working for the State of Alabama in the Department of Human Resources, as a Social Worker. Being led by faith, Janice moved her membership from Antioch Missionary Baptist church to the newly organized Philadelphia Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Usher Board, a member of the church choir, a young matron, and a member of the Missionary Department. Janice always extended good will and performed good deeds, in the name of the Lord. She reminded all of us of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Her desire to help all people led her to learn sign language so that she would be able to communicate with the deaf community. After many productive and fruitful years at Philadelphia Baptist Church, she united with Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Julius A. Seals. She served on the Pastor’s Aid Board and taught Sunday School. Janice was the life of the family, sharing her wealth of knowledge, time, talents, love, and vibrant personality, with each person she came into contact with. She touched many lives during the course of her journey, from the youngest to the eldest. Her smile and winning personality broke down many barriers. She was an avid Bible student, who loved attending Journey Bible-Study each week. She retired from the State of Alabama - Department of Human Resources after 35 years. While retired, she worked as a substitute teacher in her free time, serving passionately at Whitley Elementary and William D. Robbins Elementary Schools. Janice was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. She was a devoted sister of the Bertha Mae Chapter #314 Order of Eastern Star. She was also a member of the alumni Chapter of the Mattie T. Blount High School Class of 1975. Janice was proceeded in death by her parents, Raymond and Cornelia Ward and her brother Raymond C. Ward. She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted son, Victor A. Lewis, Houston, TX; Her loving and caring fiancé, Frederick Williams; five sisters, Patricia Wilson, Brenda (Edward) Smith, Consuella (Jerry) Cochran, Carolyn Marshall, and Quintonna Reiss, all of Mobile, AL; one sister in law, Lorraine Ward; a goddaughter, Alicia Smith Hunter; two aunts, Luvirda Todd and Iola Ward; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, one devoted, Yvonne Johnson; and many friends, one devoted, Larry Williams.

Tributes

Janice Anise Lewis

April 20, 1957 - May 9, 2025