Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Janice Witte Obituary
Jan was born in Charleston, WV on February 28, 1946 to Lois Buchanan Risher and Joseph R. Risher. She has a brother Harry Risher and a sister, Judy R. Knowles. Jan graduated from South Charleston High School in 1964 and from WV Wesleyan College in 1968. She earned a Master's degree In Early Childhood from University of Southern California and finished all coursework and exams for a doctorate at the University of Oklahoma.
Jan moved to Vermont to teach English and Social Studies at Northfield Jr. High School. It was there, three years later, she met David who had also moved there to teach. The students thought they were a good match for one another. They agreed , and were married May 27, 1972. After their first son was born they ventured off to Germany so David could teach for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. In 1979 the Department of the Army developed Children and Youth Services which organized and instituted Child Development Centers and Pre-Schools. Jan began as a program director in Baumholder and over the next 22 years rose to Family Support Division Chief of 7th Corps to Director of Children and Youth for European Division. In 2001 she was offered the Director of Children and Youth for the Department of Defense which oversaw all Children and Youth programs for all the services. At that time she moved to Northern Virginia and worked from the Pentagon. Jan retired in 2006. She was known for her abilities to connect people and programs, for her mentorship and leadership, and for her ability to also lead in the trenches and not just in a board room or office.
Wherever she moved following her retirement, she was always involved in the community. It could be as a teacher, a volunteer, a board member, or just a good neighbor, but always as a good friend. Jan was known for the cards she sent to friends and relatives that said just the right thing, whether it be for birthday, holiday, or just a "pick me up". She will be missed by those that met her, but her impact on their lives has changed them for better.
There is a Celebration of Life being planned for the first weekend in March. More information and details to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
COL (Dr.) John Lucero
October 1, 2024
"Well Done Good and Faithful Servant, Be Thou at Peace"
COL (Dr.) John Lucero
Marilyn Maness
March 23, 2023
I was honored to serve with Jan on The NAEYC Board. She was a natural born leader. Personally and professionally she covered all bases. What a wonderful woman!
It was a privilege to teach at Mannheim Elementary School with Dave Witte serving as principal.
Dave & Jan Witte were proud parents as they cheered on their sons, Mark & Ryan, at Heidelberg High School events! May Dave,
Mark, Ryan, Family & Friends cherish their memories
Smile, Marilyn Maness & Family
Dan and Carol Wiley
February 8, 2023
We will always remember Jan as being dedicated, conscientious and caring, but we love this photo of her from 1988 that also highlights her fun side! She certainly touched countless lives in such a positive way over the years and will never be forgotten. Our sincere condolences to Dave and the family.
Guy Fraser
February 1, 2023
Dear Dave and family. I'm so saddened to hear of Jan's passing. We'd not seen each other since Germany in the 80's but we had an amazingly close professional bond that blossomed into a genuine friendship. I'll always remember her unconditional kindness. Jan's beautiful spirit lives on through you.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Beverly Houston
January 28, 2023
So many special memories with Jan, both professional and personal. She was a beautiful person gifted with kindness and thoughtfulness for everyone. Her dedication to children of military parents and, later, to her community contributed greatly to their safety and well-being. Jan will be missed very much by all who were fortunate to have known her. Prayers for Jan and her family. "Grief is the price we pay for love". (Spoken by Queen Elizabeth upon the death of her husband, Prince Phillip.)
John Lavender
January 16, 2023
Our condolences to the family. We pray that you are comforted by fond memories and the knowledge that her legacy will live on through all the people she has touched around the world.
Sharon Dyer
January 16, 2023
Dear David and Family,
What a terrible loss for you and the world -- Jan filled so many hearts with joy. She had a lasting impact wherever she lived and worked. She had a huge impact on the Pentagon families affected by 9/11, and she also made a difference in all of her home communities and schools, most recently Hendersonville. Her most important and lasting impact is the friendships she made wherever she lived. She made deep, loving friendships that lasted forever. I will always treasure my friendship with her. I will miss her, and I know that you will too, but her many friends will help you to keep memories of her forever. She will always be cherished and will never be forgotten.
Ronnie
January 10, 2023
Dear David-
Max and I are so saddened with the news of Jan´s death and so grateful we got to see both of you in Arizona last year. We wish you heartfelt condolences to you and all your family.
Ronnie and Max
Erin B.Walerko
January 10, 2023
Dear David and Family,
My deepest condolences! When I think of Jan, I hear her voice and see her smile immediately! She was the meaning of joy and enthusiasm! God Bless you and all your loved ones, may her memories bring you peace.
Bette and Harry Colter
January 6, 2023
Harry and I both wish to express our sorrow for Jan's passing and gratitude for a life so well lived. Jan's influence in Department of Defense Child and Youth Programs greatly benefitted all of us who served in or received from those programs. We will miss you Jan and look forward to seeing you again when we enter heaven's portal.
Caroline Harper
January 6, 2023
My deepest condolences to all of Jans family. I´ve known her almost all my life as one of my moms very best friends. She was a truly lovely person, always so kind and caring.
So many times throughout her life, Jan´s name came up as she was checking in, visiting, sending the perfect thing. I just got a Christmas card from her this week. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful matriarch.
Barbara Thompson
January 5, 2023
David and family, there are no words that can adequately express the sadness we are all experiencing with Jan´s passing. She lit up our lives in so many special ways, as a colleague and as a dear friend. She had a tremendous capacity to care and support everyone around her, with humor, grace, and supreme kindness, over time. I hope your memories and those shared here will bring you comfort.
Corie Babcock
January 4, 2023
Jan was an inspiration for all of us. She helped me in my career with Child and Youth Services in so many ways. She was always the model for me and such a caring, wonderful inspiration. She will be missed but her legacy will always live on.
Corie Babcock
Jenny
January 4, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Barton Gatrell
January 4, 2023
She was always there at our sporting events cheering us on and supporting us in our youthful days.
Becki Woolf (CFRC)
January 4, 2023
She was truly one of the kindest people I've ever met. I am so grateful to have known her.
Jane Steinen
January 3, 2023
Jan was an angel on earth! She had a laugh, smile and hug for all she cared for. We were all enriched by her enthusiasm for the children of military families. May she be the guardian Angel for her family, children and grandchildren she loved so deeply. Rest in peace Jan Witte.
Eric Morrison
January 3, 2023
Jan was a big sister to me when we started the OU PhD Program in 1999. We had a similar sense of humor and she would always laugh at my jokes. Great conversations. She was always a beautiful and kind soul. To David and your family, may God bless Jan, you, and your family always... Eric Morrison
Anita Payne/Landgraf
January 3, 2023
My most sincere condolences to Dave and the whole family. Jan was such a special person. I will always remember her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity on so many occasions. She loved her family deeply and held her friends close. I think I will remember those things about Jan even more than the many significant contributions she made to military childcare. I miss her already!
Audre Binder
January 2, 2023
I will be forever grateful for Jan´s friendship. May you find comfort in fond memories.
Jean Simpson
January 2, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Witte family. I worked for the Army Materiel Command and knew Jan as a kind caring ECE professional who always greeted me with a warm smile. May she Rest In Peace.
Francisco Jamison
January 2, 2023
Jan was a great advocate for children, especially military children, and military child care is better today because of the work and dedication she exhibited. Rest easy Jan and thank you!
Jane and Tony Brown: we will always remember Jan's desire to do the best fo
January 2, 2023
Jan taught me how to be the Vendor Chair Person for AEYC Europe! Jane Brown
Kathy Facon
January 2, 2023
I will always remember Jan for her kindness and genuine care for others. May God bless her and her beautiful family she loved so much.
Carol Fouts
January 1, 2023
Jan was an amazing, giving woman who always had a smile on her face. She will be missed by so many of us.
Pauline Carpenter
January 1, 2023
Ms Jan always had a smile on her face. She was an inspiration at all times and will be missed. An amazing woman and role model. Know that she is a beautiful Angel looking down and watching over loved ones.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Janice Witte's name
How to support Janice's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Janice Witte's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
