Mary Janice Lewis, 73, of Hayti, Missouri, passed into His presence peacefully at her residence in Hayti, Missouri, on Monday morning, August 24, 2026. She was born in Okolona, MS, on October 8, 1952, to Tommy and Audrey Dean Inmon.

Janice graduated from Okolona (MS) High School in 1970 and then married the love of her life, Frank Atlas Lewis, on May 2, 1972. They shared 35 years of marriage until his passing on October 24, 2005. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and love.

Janice and Frank lived in Ripley, Mississippi, for 23 years. During that time, Janice and her husband Frank spent more than 10 years managing the Sonic Drive-In in Ripley. She later worked for Fred’s Department Store for more than 20 years. She ended her career working at Food Giant in Okolona, MS.

Following surgery in 2017 that left her nearly paralyzed and dependent upon a wheelchair, Janice faced many difficult years. She lived with significant pain and challenges, but she was a strong and determined woman. She learned to adjust to her new circumstances and continued to live as normal a life as she could. Her strength and perseverance were a testament to the woman she was.

In 2006, Janice moved to Okolona, Mississippi, to be closer to her mother and sisters. She remained there until 2024, when she moved to Hayti, Missouri, to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.

Janice was a member of First Baptist Church in Hayti, Missouri, and loved Jesus deeply. Her faith was an important part of her life. She enjoyed listening to gospel music at home, especially the Gaither Homecoming programs.

Janice found joy in the simple things. She loved watching Brenda Gantt videos and trying the new recipes she discovered. She especially enjoyed sharing those recipes with her sisters and daughter. She also loved Facebook, where she kept up with family and friends, enjoying their pictures, stories, and the everyday moments of their lives.

Janice was a private and quiet person, but those who knew her best knew how deeply she loved her children and family. She loved conversations with family. She loved her favorite shows, especially Days of Our Lives; football, especially Ole Miss; and reading. She loved her dog Floppy and cat Leo, and they loved her right back. Her love was often shown in quiet and simple ways. Janice’s life was marked by perseverance, faith, family, and quiet love. Though she endured many years of physical hardship, she continued to find joy in her family, her faith, music, cooking, and the simple connections that meant so much to her.

Janice was one of five sisters and was the oldest. She cherished the relationships she shared with her sisters and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clarence and Elizabeth Corley and Tom and Tracy Inmon; her parents, Tommy Inmon and Audrey Dean Inmon; her husband, Frank Atlas Lewis; her son, Cody Lewis; and her sisters, Judy Posey and Lane Davis.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Lewis Hoover, and son-in-law, Mark Hoover of Hayti, Missouri; her sisters, Ginger Bean and her husband, Eddie Bean, and Lynn Gaskin and her husband, Terry Gaskin; brother-in-law Tim Posey; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends and loved ones.

She will be deeply missed by those who loved her and will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. Her earthly struggles are now over, and she is at peace in the presence of the Savior she loved.

We would like to extend our love and gratitude to First Baptist Church Hayti, MO, for all the love and support. Hayti Housing Authority for all the help. Legacy Hospice for the excellent and loving service. John W. German Funeral staff for all the care. Finally, to everyone who prayed for and loved Janice and the family. God bless.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be given to First Baptist Church Hayti, MO to provide Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. This would be a blessing in her loving memory in God’s love.

Memorial Services

Sunday August 30 - FBC Hayti

Meal for Everyone: 12:00 PM For Family, Friends, and Church Family at FBC Hayti Fellowship Hall

Visitation: 1:30 PM, FBC Hayti Sanctuary

Funeral: 2:30 PM FBC Hayti Sanctuary

Pastor Mark Hoover officiating

Graveside Memorial Services: To be announced at a later time in Okolona, MS.