Janice Marie Morehead

Janice Marie Morehead, age 78, of Lee's Summit, Missouri passed away on November 2, 2024. Janice was born in Columbus, GA on August 10, 1946. She graduated from Memphis State University with a Master's degree in Education and taught first-grade in Memphis, Tennessee and Greenville, Mississippi for thirteen years. In her spare time Janice was an excellent bridge player and an avid reader. In 1970, Janice assumed the role as surrogate parent for her two younger sisters while her parents were away on business for several months. Living with Janice was a very special time and a fond memory for both sisters, as their differences in age had precluded the three of them growing up together.
In 1979, Janice moved to Milan, Missouri, where she met John (Ike) Morehead. The two married in 1981. They shared a close and special relationship as husband and wife. Loyal, devoted, and fun-loving; Janice referred to the two of them as soulmates. They were like two peas in a pod, enjoying travels together and spending time with their family and friends. Described by a close friend as one of the sweetest and kindest people ever, Janice made several life-long friends for whom she was very thankful.
Janice taught fourth-grade at Milan Elementary until she retired in 2001. She never had children of her own; but as a teacher who was caring and committed to improving the educational and emotional well-being of her students, she touched the lives of hundreds of children and they touched hers. She enjoyed following her students' accomplishments long after her time with them in the fourth grade.
Janice and Ike moved to Peoria, Arizona in 2010 where they enjoyed the beautiful Arizona winters and making new friends. Ike enjoyed golfing and Janice loved playing mah-jongg. They returned to Lee's Summit in November of 2023. Although Janice left this world on November 2 due to colon cancer, complications of vascular dementia took the Janice that we all knew and loved away from us earlier. It was difficult to understand and far more difficult to watch, but now she is at rest and we will rest with the memories of her beautiful smile and her gentle nature that were so uniquely, Janice. These endearing memories continue with those she leaves behind: Husband, John Ike Morehead; Two sisters, Ginger Dickson and Angela Packham; Three brothers-in-law, Richard Dickson, Mike Morehead, and Tim Morehead; Two sisters-in-law, Brooke Morehead and Sherri Morehead; Five nieces, Melody Dickson Truitt (husband, Ellijah), Heather Rardon, Megan Hoban (husband, Brian), Kate Sullinger (husband, Mike), and Melissa Hunter (husband, Jeff); Three nephews, Reece Dickson, Chad Morehead (wife, Whitney), and Tyler Morehead (wife, Brooke).
Janice was preceded in death by her birth-father, A.J. Locke, her niece, Rhonda Adkins, her nephew, Geoff Miller, her mother, Voncile N. Pinner, her sister, Diane S. Leslie and her step-father, Harley E. Reece.
A Funeral Mass for Janice will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milan, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 PM, a the church.
The family requests that Memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association for the enhancement of dementia research. On-line contributions may be made at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/our_commitment?form=FUNDHYMMBXU.