Janice Barridge Howell was born on September 18, 1947 in Winnfield, LA to William "Ed" and Maggie Carpenter Barridge. She passed away on October 26, 2022 at her home in Dodson, LA. As the second child of three, Janice was raised to appreciate the simple things. She often talked about trips to the pasture with her dad to feed the cows, coming home from school with her older brother, Benny Barridge, and younger sister, Glenda Corbitt, to a batch of her mom's fresh-made Tea Cakes, and other stories that made it seem as though being raised a country girl was an experience everyone should have.

Janice raised five children along with her husband, Jay, in Dodson, LA. As a young mother, Janice worked tirelessly to complete nursing school and ultimately practiced nursing for more than forty years. As a nurse, she gave her all in countless surgeries, dozens of labors and deliveries, cared for the critically ill, and above-all, she formed bonds with each patient she encountered. After retirement, Janice continued caring for others by cooking, cleaning, and providing conversation in the homes of those who needed assistance. Always quick to help a person in need, she never shied away from hard work.

For many years, Janice and Jay took yearly trips "out west" with Janice at the driver seat and Jay serving as the expert copilot with a knack for knowing exactly where to go and how to go there. Together, they traveled tens of thousands of miles through mountains, deserts, national parks, cities, and countryside. Often they would bring along family members on their adventures, but it wasn't necessary. When a trip to The Rocky Mountains wasn't planned, one to any Gulf coast beach would do. Some of her fondest memories were when she described a trip to the Grand Canyon, a visit to see Sequoia trees in California, or a time when she witnessed the sea perfectly meet the sky at dusk. If the mountains had the left side of her heart, then the ocean had the right.

Janice loved cooking and would happily tell you "I made the best pan of cornbread today" or "I made some candy, but it's missing something" only to be devoured by the stream of folks walking through her kitchen. She loved trying new recipes and for many years would be the first to volunteer for any event that required a lot of food to be cooked. She preferred preparing for an army rather than a few. And she would not sleep if she knew someone may be hungry as she knew this was a problem she could easily solve.

Janice attended Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro, LA for more than 20 years. She thought of her fellow church members as family and when she was not able to be there always made it a point to stay in touch, pray for those in need, and take time to wonder what Sunday morning's service was like. She loved the Lord, and we will miss hearing her best attempt at "Amazing Grace."

Janice experienced many trials in her life, but nothing was as difficult as the loss of her son, Bryan Lasyone, who died suddenly in 2014. Not a day passed where she didn't mention something that reminded her of Bryan or how much she missed his laugh, kind spirit, and how he always picked the best greeting cards on Mother's Day.

Others who passed away before her include her parents Ed and Maggie Barridge, great grandson Lincoln Brister, brother-in-law Buddy Corbitt, and sister-in-law Patricia Jacobs. Those left to treasure her in memories, stories, and recipes include her husband of 47 years Jay Howell of Dodson, LA; brother Dr. Benny Barridge and wife Judy of Prairie Grove, AR; sister Glenda Corbitt of Calvin, LA; daughter Debbie Lasyone Melton of Dodson, LA; son Shannon Lasyone and wife Valorie of McPhearson, KS; son Terry Howell and wife Melissa of Danville, LA; son Patrick Howell and wife Kourtney of Atlanta, LA; and daughter-in-law Margaret Lasyone of Weston, LA. Janice also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Kelli Melton, Cody Melton, Katie Boyett, Sean Lasyone, Colby Lasyone, Dustin Lasyone, Chris Kennedy, Jamie Brister, Amanda Parks, Brieanna Cowher, and Peyton Howell as well as twelve great-grandchildren; including Marissa Melton, her self-professed partner in crime, and many self-proclaimed adopted grandchildren; including, Desiree Parker and Tommy Edmonds.

Janice will be laid to rest alongside her son, parents, and other relatives at Bethlehem Cemetery in Calvin, LA. Funeral services are provided by Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield, LA.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Justin Barridge, Jason Corbitt, Michael Corbitt, Tommy Edmonds, Kevin Howell, and Marissa Melton.