CONWAY – Janice Lassiter Vann Showalter died at the Laurals Nursing Home in Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 after an extended illness. She was the wife of Weldon J. Showalter, who survives.

Born in Northampton County, North Carolina on June 16, 1926 she was the daughter of Lonnie L. and Gladys Martin Lassiter.

Janice married the late Charlie Willard Vann in 1946 and to this union was born two sons, Keith Willard and Charles Kirwin, both of whom are deceased. One daughter, Deborah Vann Warmack along with her husband, William “Bill” Warmack, survives. Janice is also survived by one grandson, Heath Vann and three granddaughters, Angela Warmack Terry, Lindy Warmack Kitchin, and Caroline Warmack.  She is also survived by six great grandchildren: twins Dawson and Dalton Vann and great granddaughters, Deborah Hall Kitchin, Sarah Law Kitchin, Jame Richardson Kitchin and Isabella Lynn Terry.

Three brothers and a sister survive, Dale Lassiter and wife, Carol, Wayne Lassiter and wife, Norma, Mike Lassiter and wife, Joan, and Audrey Lassiter Ransom. Also surviving are three sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Daughter-in law, Ann Vann, also survives.

Janice was a Sales Clerk at The Hazel Eastham Shop and Beverly’s Ladies Wear Shop.  During those thirty five years Janice made many life-long friends among both her coworkers and the customers she served. She retained her membership in the Conway Baptist Church in Conway and was a 1943 graduate of Conway High School.  Before ill health took its toll, Janice enjoyed photography in all its forms. She also became proficient in English Smocking and the art of paper quilling.  However, as her family increased in number, nothing gave her more pleasure than her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was their “Great MEMA” in every sense of the word.

For the last seven years of her life, Janice had another very special love in her life.  It was her little Yorkie “Tinker Bell”.  Tinker Bell spent many an hour napping in her arms at the nursing home.  It was an unconditional love they shared.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 14, 2013  at Rich Square United Methodist Church in Rich Square, North Carolina with the Committal following in the Town of Conway Cemetery.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway handled the arrangements.