Ms. Janice Smallwood

Ward Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

Viewed: 1374

Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Aug 18 2020 3:55 PM

Janice Warren Smallwood was born on June 14^th, 1957 in Opelika, AL to her late father Willie Frank Warren and surviving mother Marjorie Darden Warren. Jan, as she was known by friends and family, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on August 9^th, 2020 at 5pm surrounded by her most cherished family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved son Warren Daniel Smallwood and wife Ashley of Aubrey TX, mother Marjorie Darden Warren of Dothan AL, fiancé David Alan Fair of Dothan AL, brothers Harry Warren of Decatur AL and Tommy Warren of Fayetteville GA, and extended family Paul and Lydia Gainous, their daughters Celeste Ward, Suzanne Glover, and Maranne Gainous of Dothan AL, and Cathy Jo Cook of Marietta GA.

Jan spent most of her childhood in Dothan and graduated high school from Houston Academy before a brief time at Troy University. She later finished her education, while residing in Birmingham, AL at the University of Montevallo where she achieved a Bachelor of Science in Education. She became a Home Economics teacher and Cheerleading sponsor at the middle school and high school level in Birmingham. Her lifelong love of children and babies ultimately led her to become owner/operator of Little Footprints Day School in Vestavia Hills, AL.

Jan was an incredibly vibrant soul. She loved bright colors, flowers, flip-flops, the beach, and “going to the boat” with Lydia. If you ever saw the inside of her house, even the bright pastel yellow and blue walls were her intent to create joy and happiness. She wanted her home to brighten the day of anyone who visited. She had an infectious smile and a laugh that would cause everyone around her to feel the warmth of her soul. Jan had a very strong love for people, she rarely met a stranger, and almost always had a new friend in everyone she met. Her love for children was something to behold. She would tell you that she wanted a “house-full”, but that her only son meant the world to her. “He was always covered head-to-toe in red lipstick”, she would often say. Jan was also a mother figure to many others who were a part of her life. Many family and friends still attest that Jan had a significantly positive impact on their personal growth and success in life.

She was a bright light in this world. She will be dearly missed by many people whom she touched in various ways throughout her life. We are thankful that she is now rejoicing in the arms of the Lord with loved ones whom she dearly missed. As she often told her family, “Live your life for Jesus and believe in him so that we can spend forever together in Heaven.” May she rest in peace.

Jan requested to be cremated and placed beside her parents in Eclectic, AL. No memorial service is planned at this time. Her internment will be held at a later date for the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kindred Hospice in Dothan, who graciously cared for her.  Donations can also be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

 

Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory

2414 Hartford Highway

Dothan, Alabama 36305

334-792-4194

 

www.wardwilson.com

 

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