Janice Lewis

Janice Hill Lewis was born on August 16, 1920 in West Frankfort, Illinois and died on September 29, 2014 at Hilltop Village in Kerrville, Texas. Janice was the only child of Henry and Bessie Hill. Janice met her lifetime love, Bill Lewis, in West Frankfort at age 14, and they married on December 31, 1940. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before his death in 2004.

Janice and Bill lived in Alton, Illinois for many years during his work at the Shell Oil Co, and their two daughters, Leah and Melissa, were born there. Janice was an enthusiastic and remarkable homemaker, nurturing her family and serving in church work and school events. During vacations, the family explored the Great Lakes and camped all around Lake Michigan. In 1965, Bill was transferred to Houston and the family lived in Nassau Bay, where Janice continued her homemaking and volunteering, including work as a literacy tutor with boys in the justice system. Granny Bess moved with the family to Houston, and she and Janice were always close companions.

Upon Bills retirement in 1979, Janice and Bill moved to the home they designed at 316 Coronado Drive. Their home and retired life in Kerrville gave them much joy. They could be regularly found exploring the Hill Country: golfing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming Janice with flowered cap in every river or lake they came across. After discovering Gulf Coast beaches while in the Houston area, they continued taking trips to the coast for swimming, birding and seafood trips to Colorado and New Mexico introduced them to the beauty of mountain hiking. s from family to Kerrville featured Janices prolific and delicious cooking, swimming, picnics by the pool, hikes and holiday celebrations. Often on the road to Austin and San Antonio, they kept up with the events of their beloved grandchildren. Janice was a mother and Grand Mia who loved her daughters, their spouses and four grandchildren abundantly, passing along to them the wonder of Gods creation and enjoying each of them as very special individuals. Janice and Bill were animal lovers who had a series of Springer Spaniels as part of the family and were always observing all the birds and wildlife around them, especially on their Coronado hill.

Janices Christian faith guided her life. She thrived in working with children in Sunday School and followed her mothers example of church outreach work. A faithful Bible student, she often shared encouragement from favorite scriptures and hymns. At Hilltop Village before and after her mothers stay there, Janice helped with the Hymn Sing Along on Tuesdays, offering devotionals and singing with residents. She spent her last four years as a resident of Hilltop Village, and the family is very grateful for the staff and friends there who loved her. Thank you to all the neighbors and the church friends from Trinity Baptist Church, who visited her and showed loving friendship during her 35 years in Kerrville. Thank you to Peterson Hospice for their care and kindness above our highest expectation.

Janice is survived by daughter Leah Lewis and Bruce Deuley of Kerrville, granddaughter Sarah White and husband Eric White and sons of Comfort daughter Melissa Russell and husband Craig Russell of Austin, and grandchildren Robert Russell of Austin, Carson Russell and wife Megan Russell of New York, and Wesley Russell of Austin and Nacogdoches.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3 at the chapel at Hilltop Village, 1400 Hilltop Road, officiated by The Reverend Dr. Bill Blackburn.

Memorial contributions may be given in Janices name to Peterson Hospice, Trinity Baptist Church or the animal welfare organization you support.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. 830 8955111

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