Janice Avant

With grace in her heart and strength in her spirit, Janice Marie Avant, age 78, of Jefferson City, met her Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Born May 27, 1947, in McBaine, Missouri, Janice was the youngest of 12 children born to Edward and Dora Lee (Harvey) Hayes. From her earliest days, she carried a quiet strength and radiant light that would go on to bless every life she touched.
A proud graduate of Hickman High School's class of 1965, Janice pursued her passion for beauty and service through cosmetology. She became a beloved business owner and operator of three salons: Reflections 1, Reflections 2, and Janice's Beauty Salon. But her most treasured role was that of a devoted wife, mother, and caregiver. On October 4, 1986, she married Eric Avant, and together they built a home and made many memories.
Though small in stature, Janice was a mighty force-full of warmth, wisdom, and love. As a stay-at-home mom, she dedicated herself completely to raising her children, shaping them with compassion, discipline, and joy. She was a hands-on mother, always on the floor playing, teaching, and nurturing. Her home was a haven-where love was cooked into every meal, and where laughter and faith were daily bread.
Janice had a unique ability to make something from nothing and still managed to feed a crowd-her meals were homemade, filled with love, and remembered by all who gathered at her table. To her children, she was not only a mother but a sanctuary-a source of peace, comfort, and steadfast guidance.
She was a mother not just to her own, but to many. Always offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or the perfect words of encouragement, Janice impacted lives in ways too many to count. Her influence stretched far beyond her family, and her legacy lives on in every heart she touched.
Janice's faith was the foundation of her life. As an ordained Evangelical Minister, she lived her beliefs boldly and beautifully, serving as an example of unwavering devotion and spiritual strength. She walked closely with God and now rests peacefully in His arms.
She shared a deep bond with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren-pouring into them the same love and values she lived by. To them, she was not only wise and nurturing, but angelic-a pillar of love and a source of light.
Janice Marie Avant was strong, beautiful, graceful, and saintly. Her presence was a gift. Her absence leaves a void, but her memory is a blessing that will continue to inspire and uplift. She will be missed beyond words, and loved beyond measure.
Survivors include her children, Cheri Smith, Bobbi Smith, Charles Smith, Jules Smith (Jeanne Luadzers), Tiffany Smith (Timothy Monroe) and Misti Richmond (William); 17 grandchildren, nine grandchildren; sister-in-law, Cheryl Avant; dear friend, Karen Prince; and numerous nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 11 siblings and her former husband of 17 years and father of her children, Bobbie Smith.
It was Janice's wish to be cremated and services held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Central Missouri Food Bank 2101 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65202.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.