Janice Louise Jackson, 74, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Friday, January 24 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Funeral Service: 11AM Saturday, January 25 at Second Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery.
Janice Louise “Ann” Jackson was born on November 1, 1950, to Iona White in Waco. She was lovingly raised by her devoted grandparents, Charlie and Ruby Tigner. In 7th grade, Janice met the love of her life, Earl “Pro” Jackson, and the two became high school sweethearts. They married on August 7, 1970, and were blessed with four children: Reggie, Aericka, LaShawnda, and Ashley. Janice received her formal education at Waco ISD and graduated from A.J. Moore High School in 1969. After graduation, she attended McLennan Community College and began her career in banking. She was employed by CSI, formerly McCoy Myers, for an incredible 49 years. After retiring in 2017, Janice continued to work part-time for the company until 2021. From 2021 until July 2023, she devoted herself as a full-time caregiver for her beloved husband, Pro.
Janice had a deep love for her children and an even greater love for her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mama J or Pooh Pooh. She cherished attending their programs and events, always cheering them on with encouragement and support. She was their biggest cheerleader and greatest source of inspiration. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan who enjoyed all sports, Janice brought light and joy to everyone she encountered. Her loving voice, radiant smile, and kind spirit were contagious, leaving everyone feeling uplifted. She was a beacon of love and happiness, known for reminding her loved ones to “do the right thing.”
On January 14, 2025, after 537 days apart, Janice was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Earl. We can only imagine them celebrating together once again. She was also welcomed by her mother, Iona, and her devoted grandparents, Charlie and Ruby Tigner.
Janice’s love and legacy continues through her four children: Reggie (Tiffany), Aericka (Myron), LaShawnda (Telly), and Ashley (Reggie); 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Jo-Marion, Jennifer, Vickie, Kelva, Gerald, Charlie, Darrell, and Larry; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind a bonus grandson, Lenard Meyers, as well as her longtime friend and co-worker, Carol Lehman, and her best friend since school, Carol Dugat.
Mama J was truly loved by all who had the honor of knowing her. Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit left an everlasting impact on everyone she met. She was a breath of fresh air and always guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Janice’s love, laughter, and cherished memories will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends.
Special appreciation to NP Herzog and her nursing team for providing over 20 years of dedicated care to our loving mother.
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I worked with Janice for many years, and I can say that there was not a sweeter, kinder Soul . Everybody loved Janice! I know your were welcomed with open arms by our Lord and Savior and your precious Husband and well as many other loved ones. You will be missed, but your memory will carry on with many of us. Prayers for peace and comfort to the family during this difficult time.
Leslie & Chris Conner
Praying for you and your entire family. I know this is a great loss, I pray in the coming days you can experience Gods peace and comfort in the midst of this difficult time. If I may assist or help in anyway, please don’t hesitate to give me a call. God bless you Ashley, siblings and family.
Well Mrs Jackson, this is your ex neighbor from Hollywood Edition. I met you , your Husband Mr. Jackson & beautiful family in 1992. Aericka & I used to work together at EMSI. Met Shonda, while she was in high school, such a beautiful person & always had a smile on her face. I was worried about you, when your sweetheart passed away. Did see you once, after your sweetheart’s funeral, didn’t want to crowd you. We had a good time talking, laughing. You always kept a smile on your face. I see where your daughters & son got their smiles from. Reggie seemed like a Momma’s boy. Later, I realized all of your children were both Dad & Mom’s heart ❤️. Meaning, all treated special. Thank you for giving me advice, & treated me like family. Missed us shopping at Avenue in Temple, Texas, its been closed now. We had a good time. Currently, I’m in shock, but the good LORD makes no mistakes, HE picked one of HIS special flowers (You, Mrs. Jackson). You are now united with the LORD, Husband, your neverending Love Story! You loved the LORD, you were a precious jewel that showed, the epitome, of being a Woman of CHRIST, it showed daily in your walk, yard, home, always immaculate. Old saying, holds true, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Tell my hubby, Ben hello for me. Rest on our Beautiful JANICE! 🤩. You will be truly missed. Oh the BLOOD, that gives us strength from day to day!
Well Mrs Jackson, this is your ex neighbor from Hollywood Edition. I met you , your Husband Mr. Jackson & beautiful family in 1992. Aericka & I used to work together at EMSI. Met Shonda, while she was in high school, such a beautiful person & always had a smile on her face. I was worried about you, when your sweetheart passed away. Did see you once, after your sweetheart funeral, didn’t want to crowd you. We had a good time talking, laughing. You always kept a smile on your face. I see where your daughters & son got their smiles from. Reggie seemed like a Momma’s boy. Later, I realized all of your children were both Dad & Mom’s heart ❤️. Meaning, all treated special. Thank you for giving me advice, & treated me like family. Missed us shopping at Avenue in Temple, Texas, its been closed now. We had a good time. Currently, I’m in shock, but the good LORD makes no mistakes, HE picked one of HIS special flowers (You, Mrs. Jackson). You are now united with the LORD, Husband, your neverending Love Story! You loved the LORD, you were a precious jewel that showed the epitome, of being a Woman of CHRIST, it showed daily in your walk, yard, home, always immaculate. Old saying, holds true, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Tell my hubby, Ben hello for me. Rest on our Beautiful JANICE! 🤩. You will be truly missed. Oh the BLOOD, that gives us strength from day to day! My heartfelt condolences to your family.
My Condolences to My Cousins praying for you guys heavy💔💔💔
Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
God Bless you all. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
My thoughts, condolences and prayers are with you all. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. There is peace in the Valley, rest well Sis. Jackson. 🌹
I am so happy I was blessed to meet this sweet lady and call her my friend. She was funny and sassy, and her laugh was so contagious. I worked with her, and she brightened every day. She loved her children, grandbabies and Pro like no other. She was as genuine as you can get, and had a heart of gold. My prayers and hugs to all who loved her. May God bless and hold her children tight as they navigate a world without her.
I’ve always believed that each person has a role to play in this world, and that God has placed us here for a set amount of time to learn what it means to be human—to love people, survive, and wrestle with the looming questions that don’t have clear answers. But then there are those people who cross our paths and shift our understanding, direct our attention, or help drown out the noise.
People know me in different ways: as the guy in banking, as the kid from Caldwell who was a mess when I first arrived in Waco in late 1999, as a Christian who’s a little rough around the edges, as a husband and father, as an author, or as a mentor to men struggling to survive through hard things. But Janice? Janice knew all of me.
One of the major reasons I stand here today as a man, husband, father, and functional human who sees the world a little differently is because of the time I spent with Janice.
In 1999, I met her while driving down Franklin Avenue, looking for a night job. I walked into McCoy Myers and Associates, filled out an application, and was called in for a quick conversation with her. If you ever spent more than 10 minutes talking one-on-one with Janice, you’d know the look. It was the look that said, “I see you.”
When I left, I didn’t think much of it. But later that afternoon, she called me back and said she wanted to offer me the job. She told me, “I usually don’t hire same day, but I enjoyed our interview and have a good feeling.”
I was excited, but I had no idea I was gaining so much more than a job.
Over the years, Janice became like another mother to me. She called me out when I needed it, spoke life into me, and mentored me. It was as if God placed her in my life to fill in the gaps of my questions, concerns, and struggles. As I was quickly descending into bad relationships, alcohol, drugs, and other destructive behaviors, Janice was the one who pulled me up—every time I wanted to give up, quit, or settle for less.
She had a way with words that cut through my nonsense. She’d call me out on my lies or self-sabotaging talk with phrases like, “Gerald, you know that’s not true, so why say it?” or “How’s that working for you? Do you think there’s a better way?” And, my favorite, “Gerald Zgabay, you better not!”
Janice taught me about faith, how to deal with matters of the heart, how to be patient, how to listen, and how to truly see people’s souls. She was one of the most authentic and transparent people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.
She knew the whole picture of me. She saw the hangovers, the ups and downs of my drug use, the bad relationships, and my moments of hopelessness. She also shared in the joys—like meeting my wife and watching our journey to becoming a family.
Every time I step into my workday, when I think of the people I know and the success I’ve found in my industry, I remember Janice taking a chance on a lost, scared, lonely 20-year-old. I’m so thankful that God allowed her to be part of my life. Knowing Janice is one of the reasons my faith has a foundation.
She was a woman of strength, guidance, and unconditional love—a true prophet. Not someone seeking accolades or recognition, but someone authentically serving God in everything she did. She was a modern-day Deborah, a leader who inspired others with her wisdom, courage, and faith. Just as Deborah in the Book of Judges led with discernment and strength, offering guidance to her people, Janice had a way of leading others toward truth and purpose with quiet yet profound authority.
When I published my first book, Sobering Faith, people were drawn to the woman named Janice. Readers would often share how deeply her presence moved them, which always brings tears to my eyes—she was that special.
People play roles in life, and without Janice’s role in mine, there is no Gerald, no marriage, no family, and no story of sobering faith.
The world lost an amazing soul this week. And while I’m saddened, I’m also at peace knowing that Janice will now experience the glory of God firsthand.
Sending hugs and condolences. I work with Aericka at LVE. Much 😘 love to you and your family
It was a blessing to work with Janice and call her friend. She is one of the sweetest, most caring, and funny people I have ever known. I pray she is enjoying her well-earned new home and that her family finds the peace that passes all understanding.
Janice on our last talk on January 1st was warm and heartfelt. I told you that you were one of a kind and you said gurl you are tearing me up. Then we started talking about when I first started how you were mean to me and you said to me I had to make sure you were true lol. When you knew something was wrong you would say close the door and then we would talk about it and say everyone makes mistakes. Then you would throw me off at the beginning saying that’s one of my boyfriends that I have of many and I am looked at you like what. Then you would say noo gurl lol. From how you would say some days going around saying I’m mad today real mad and we say how mad and you would look like mad. We start laughing and then you would start laughing and always talking with you’re fingers and you would say ohhh and start laughing. As time went on you would always ask how is Angel and Nikki my children and you would say tell them I said hi. When I told them of your passing they took it hard cause they would always say she is so nice. There are so many memories of you i will cherish deeply. Then your husband passed away and you missed him dearly now you are with him and whole again. May God keep his arms around your family and heal them at this difficult time. A Mother’s love and keeping the family together will be definitely missed. Janice you are Definitely One of A Kind.
To the family of Janice , she will truly be missed and was deeply loved and appreciated by many. On behalf of the class of 1970 Moore High School we send our deepest sympathy. Stay strong family and God Bless. Love SheliaG SnellWaits and classmates.
Jackson family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We were blessed and fortunate to know Mrs. Jackson. She was among one the first neighbors to greet us, when we moved to Hollywood. She will be missed and loved by all who knew her,, and her contagious smile.
I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Ridge. Praying for you and your family 🙏.
I wish I had met Janice to thank her for the beautiful friend I have in Shawnda. Clearly she was guided by a strong, intelligent , loving and fun woman. My condolences for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
I am so sorry for your loss Mrs.Ridge. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏
I knew Janice through my husband Mark who worked at csi with her until he passed away in 2021.
She was a good friend to him.
Praying for her family and also her csi family.
I imagine they are telling jokes and laughing.
Rip Janice.
Diane Hutcherson
Oh Janice you were my sister’s best friend, that made you a friend of mine as well you were one of the sweetest and nicest people in the neighborhood you will be missed by all who knew you 🙋🏽♀️❤️
My deepest deepest condolences to such a beautiful wonderful blessed by God family I have ever known I am praying from all the comfort in the world from the the Lord at this time cause I’m walking in there shoes now losing my parents just the last two months of last year much love to them in the days to come 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊🤍🪽
Sincere condolences to LaShawnda and family from your family at Sunset Hills Baptist Church in Omaha.
I worked with Janice for many years and I consider her one of the best things about that job. I adored and loved her and I’m so grateful for our fun experiences and the memories. Janice was beautiful on the inside and outside. We often took a lunch break together, even if it was just to grab a drink and ride around. Often, she’d ask, “what do you want for lunch?”, I said, “anything will do!” She would say, “well, we will just ride till I see something we both like.” If we weren’t laughing, we both enjoyed the silence of just being together. I was very lucky to have her in my life and I’m pretty sure she enjoyed me being in hers. One of my favorite moments was when I gave her a birthday card that played “Brick House “ She went wild over that card and started snapping hers fingers, swaying back and forth and smiling. She was truly a beautiful soul. My prayers go out to all of her family and friends.
My sincere condolences to Janice’s daughter, LaShawnda, and husband Telly, and grandson Taylor.. and to all of the Jackson family. I’m a good/special friend of the beautiful Wood’s family and we are a part of the Sunset Hills Church family in Omaha, Nebraska. My heart goes out to all of you.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. As part of Moore High family Class of 1969 …you and Pro will be missed.
Much Love
Ashley, your FSC family sends their condolences. We are so sorry for your families’s loss. There is nothing that we can probably say to bring you any comfort but know that we are here for you. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time.
Mrs. Jackson, “Mama J”, will truly be missed by everyone in Hollywood Addition, especially by the Maxwell Family. Her warm and welcoming beautiful smile, will truly be missed . She loved ALL the kids in the neighborhood-(4th July celebration will never be the same) You will truly be missed Mrs. Jackson! Love, Mechelle, Kanyon, Schlyce Mitchell and the Maxwell Family.
My prayers are with you Reggie and the family that God strengthen and comfort you all in this trying time. I know I only met you through your wife Tiffany and my co-worker I still feel like I know you especially since you have that famous name of Mr. October ( The Reggie Jackson of the Professional Baseball League) Lol… Keep your hands in God’s hand and I know he will carry you through your trying times. Stay strong my brother.
There is no one like Ms. Jackson. We worked together for ’51’ years. Her knowledge and joy of working with customers and coworkers helped everyone get through each day. She made everything lively! Even after she retired, we would tell Janice stories.. “Do you remember when Ms. Jackson said/did this?” She brought joy to everyone who knew her. She was 100% real – there was nothing fake about her. Always had something good to say about everyone. This world is a better place because of her, and she will be missed. Her legacy will remain in her family, friends and all that knew her. God speed Janice, we love you and miss you. 💕
To the Jackson family:
My prayers and condolences to the entire family.. Jesus took the sting out of death!! HE will definitely comfort and strengthen you.
As being a single parent and the neighbor to the Jackson’s since 1998, they welcomed me and my children and lead by example.. I copied how and when to take care of my yard and take care of my home. I saw and shared the love that they provided for their family, friends and neighbors..We always let each other know that we were leaving town and would watch out for each other’s property.. Once I got married ,my husband became great friends with Mr. Jackson and they would share knowledge and be out shooting the stray animals and setting traps together.. (I called them both Elma Fudd). After Mr. Jackson passed, we doubled down on watching out for Mrs Janice. She had wonderful children and grandchildren to watch out for her but, we were next door.. Mrs Janice was such a sweet and caring lady. she made sure Fred had a plate..❤️I thank God for allowing me to have a beautiful family for neighbors! It’s hard to know that we don’t have our neighbors anymore, I know God is in control 🙏🏾😇❤️