Janice Annette Castleberry

Janice Annette Castleberry, age 67, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after a long and courageous struggle with Parkinson's Disease, died on August 13, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama, supported by the love and presence of her family, compassionate caregivers and friends.
Remarkable woman, sister, teacher, friend, she was born November 3, 1957, in Sylacauga, Alabama. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Janice grew up and lived in Tuscaloosa most of her life and taught at Moundville Elementary School for more than 23 years with a network of colleagues admired and respected for the work and care they delivered to many generations of young Alabama students. It was her calling to send her students into a future enabled with skills of learning and gifts of possibility.
Janice's legacy of love and devotion to learning lives on in her sisters, Joyce Rebecca Greggs of Cottondale, Alabama and Oakie Castleberry Russell (Andrew Lawrence Russell) of Irvine, California; with her hundreds of students; and with her surviving nephews, Mitchell David Greggs (Erin Prillaman Greggs) of Homewood, Alabama; Dylan Lawrence Russell of Washington D.C.; and Owen Yeats Russell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her legacy also continues with her great niece Challis Rebecca Greggs and great nephew David Henry Greggs of Homewood, Alabama, who loved their GranJan.
Like those gone before her-including her parents, Jean Harmon Castleberry and Ida Vester Castleberry; beloved sister Margaret Nell Puckett (Chester Puckett); beloved brother-in-law David Franklin Greggs; remarkable and best of friend Rita Pate Herring, and other dear loved ones-Janice's deep and steadfast faith acknowledges that they now are welcomed to a place where there will be no pain, nor disease, nor death nor dereliction of kindness.
She loved her family and friends, including a network of cousins near and far, enjoying a special connection with the families of those living nearby: Timothy J. Presley (Beverly Williamson Presley) and Paula Castleberry Wildgrube (Erich O. Wildgrube III). She was masterful with a sewing machine, and she was a talented and celebrated baker. She loved board games and fabrics and colors and photographs. She loved her experiences with travel and teaching. Her gifts of gentleness, deep listening, laughter, empathy, and peacemaking made her an inspiring rare gem in an often loud and chaotic world.
Those who love her and were loved by her are ever grateful for the unconditional love and encouragement that she both gave and inspired. How lucky we are to have her spirit, faith and courage shape our lives.
The family plans an inclusive celebration of life at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel, 5434 Old Birmingham Hwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, for all those in Janice's circle, family and friends alike, and asks that In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama https://www.hospiceofwestal.com or The Assistance Fund – Parkinson's Disease - https://tafcares.org/donors/donate/