Janice Nutt

A celebration of the life of Janice Kay McMeans Nutt, 81, of Longview, Texas, will be held Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 PM at the chapel at Rader Funeral Home in Longview.

Janice was born July 12, 1944, in Longview, Texas, and died March 10, 2026, in Longview, surrounded by her loving family.

As the first McMeans girl born in more than a generation, Janice was adored by her extended family from the beginning. The young girl enjoyed jumping rope, playing jacks with her mother, and spending time with her dolls. Her most vivid childhood memories centered around dinners at the kitchen table with her parents and brothers-moments of warmth and connection she would strive to recreate throughout her life with her own children and grandchildren.

Growing up, Janice experienced both joyful and difficult times, and she closely observed the strength and grace with which her parents faced life's challenges while maintaining a loving home. Their example shaped her deeply, instilling in her the importance of faith, resilience, and family-values she carried forward and modeled for the generations that followed.

Janice met Larry Nutt in 1963 when she attended his sister's birthday party. Afterwards, Larry drove her home and tried to sneak a kiss. She must not have minded, because the two wed just six months later on February 28, 1964-a marriage that would last more than sixty years.

While raising their daughters, Janice helped support the family by caring for young children in her home. She later joined Pinewood Park Elementary as a teacher's assistant and eventually served as the school's computer lab director, working in public education for more than twenty years. Her kindness and steady presence made her beloved by both students and staff. She took pride in helping the school run smoothly: organizing events, assisting students to and from their rides, and offering encouragement whenever it was needed.

Children loved Mrs. Nutt, and she loved them in return. Yet it was becoming "Nana" that brought her the greatest joy. So closely was she associated with that role that even when in retirement she and Larry later volunteered in their daughters' classrooms, students affectionately knew them simply as Nana and Papa.

Her years as Nana allowed her to share the same warmth and care she experienced growing up. She hosted sleepovers, played countless games, prepared family favorites such as chicken and dressing and chocolate pie (along with many other beloved recipes), attended every sporting event, band performance, and production, and passed along family stories that brought both laughter and life lessons.

Janice once wrote that her goal in life was to have faith in God and to be honest and hardworking-qualities she faithfully lived out each day. She loved teaching Bible classes and working with children at church, many of whom also came to know her as Nana. After Sunday services, she often gathered the family for a meal at her table, continuing the tradition that had shaped her own childhood.

She wanted to be a great Nana-and she was.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband Larry Nutt; parents Eddie and Gladys McMeans; brother Jerry McMeans and wife Karen; parents-in-law John and Juanita Nutt; sister-in-law Diane Bower and husband Jerry; and son-in-law Kevin Timmons.

Left to cherish her memory and example are her daughters Amy Timmons, Robin Best (husband Joshua); her grandchildren Sara King (husband Jacob), Hunter Timmons (fiancée Selena Gonzalez, daughter Sereniti Gonzalez), Kaylea Timmons, Joel Best (wife Alyssa, daughter Audrey), and Jacob Best; her brother Fred McMeans (wife Vicki); her brother-in-law John Nutt Jr. (wife Merilyn); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for the nurses, aides and staff of Treviso Transitional Care in Longview. They took care of Janice as their own Nana with love, respect and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating or spending time supporting local schools, where there are many children who need love and care.