Janice B. Suggs

FAYETTEVILLE - Janice translates as "God is gracious" and often as "gift of God." Both apply to Mrs. Janice B. Suggs, our loving mother, loving wife and loyal friend. In life, she was an inspiration to those who met her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all those who knew her. She was inspirational, determined and a leader. Her friends and family knew her as an affectionate, compassionate and comforting spirit. She was always brave and courageous. In her final battle with cancer, a David against Goliath struggle, she remained concerned above all else about the health and welfare of her family. As a young woman and mother of three, Janice obtained her undergraduate degree (summa cum laude) from Wesleyan College and later, her master's degree from Fayetteville State University. She chose education as her profession, teaching for more than 20 fulfilling years. Many of those years were at Longhill Elementary School. After a career in education, Janice became a successful business woman, driven to excellence as president and co-owner of SGI, a company she and her husband proudly began in the late 80's. Through their company, she enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity it provided her to work closely with and support our military community. Janice was a gift of God to her family, and he was gracious to her in life. Her struggle is now over and she has flown away with the Angels to be with God. Born in Erwin, Jan. 28, 1939, she passed on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012. She is survived by her family: Husband Bobby Suggs Sr.; son, Bobby Suggs Jr.; daughter, Angela Suggs-Bartos; mother, Mary Hazel Byrd; sister, Gail Tew; grand-children; and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Mark Suggs; and father, Harold Byrd. The family will receive friends today, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville . A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street. The family will also receive visitors at the home on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m.