Janice Kay Williamson passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a long and bravely fought battle with rheumatoid arthritis the morning of March 8, 2017, in Billings, Montana. Janice was the youngest of seven children born on Jan. 1, 1959, to Francis A. and Frances M. Griffin at St. John's Hospital in Helena.
The family lived in Helena until 1966 when they moved to the Havre/Harlem area before returning to Helena in 1973. Janice graduated from Capital High School in 1976.
After high school, Janice enlisted in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1978.
In 1979 Janice married Wes, her devoted husband of 37 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Jessica Lynn and Heather Rae.
Janice had a calling in finance and throughout the years held various positions maintaining books in Helena. In 1999 she and Wes settled for small town life in Manhattan, Montana. Continuing her pursuit of finance, Janice worked diligently and earned her B.A. in Accounting in 2007.
Janice had many passions in her life and was always busy pursuing them. She was an excellent cook and always eager to try a new recipe. Her green thumb was well known, as the house in Manhattan was always adorned with blooms from early spring until fall. Her lively personality was known in the community, and she could frequently be found dining with friends at Sir Scott's Oasis. Lastly, her greatest delight was being a grandmother. Her two grandsons, Finn and Brooks, were her pride and joy. She never missed their birthdays, holidays, sporting events or their nightly FaceTime video conversations before bedtime.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles, and her granddaughter Caroline.
She is survived by her husband Wes, daughters Jessica (Wes) Thompson, Heather (Shaun) Jones, and grandsons Finn and Brooks Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings Evie (Mick) Martin, Oliver (Rita Belcher) Griffin, Linda McNeill, Ronald Griffin, Colleen (Lyle) Taborsky, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Janice's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will be in the social hall of the funeral home following the graveside service. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Janice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
So sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dennis and Lydia Rowe
March 16, 2017
I'm so very sorry for the passing of your dear loved one. The feelings of helplessness can seem overwhelming when coping with the loss of a dear loved one. However, you can turn to the Inspired Word at Acts 25:14 for comfort and hope.
L L
March 16, 2017
Janice, you will be missed, my friend.
Carol Bennett
March 12, 2017
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