Janice Van Meter

Janice Hawkins Van Meter left this earthly life for her heavenly home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. She joined her beloved parents Carroll and Betty Hawkins, and adored siblings Sonny Hawkins and Martha Day in the presence of Jesus. She is survived by her three children, Dana Pigford (Steve), Connie Wilkes (Mark), and Clay Van Meter (Kristy), 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, as well as 2 sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends. She is dearly loved by all.

Janice was born May 13, 1937 in the small town of Canton, Georgia, where she grew up with what she described as an idyllic childhood. In elementary school she was the mascot for the high school football team and went on to become a high school and college cheerleader as well as a personal cheerleader to her children and grandchildren. She attended college at the University of North Georgia and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Home Economics. It was there that she met Harold Clayton Van Meter. They married June 28,1959 and began a life of military service (Army) together. Janice embraced the honor and challenges of being an officer’s wife. She hosted events for officer’s wives and mentored wives of the soldiers who served under her husband.

Her greatest joy was her role as Mother to Dana, Connie and Clay, (and later, Grande to her grands and great-grands). Throughout their lives she offered a steady, calming presence, a joyful demeanor, unconditional love, wisdom, and delicious, well-balanced home-cooked meals.

After she completed the job of raising three children, Janice had various jobs and volunteer work that combined her love for people and desire to serve. She worked at Fort Benning, the Columbus Housing Authority, the Columbus Trade Center, Columbus Regional Healthcare, and Greenpoint Mortgage. She served as president of the University of North Georgia Alumni Association and many years on the North Georgia Foundation Board. Gratitude and service were lessons that she taught by example.

For the last decade, Janice lived at Spring Harbor where she enjoyed the company of many treasured friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus and cherished the relationships that she had there as well.

Janice loved to travel, taking many trips with friends and her main travel companion, her sister Martha. A bit of a social butterfly, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family sharing a good meal or an outing. Always stylish, with an affinity for bright colors and impeccable accessorizing skills, it was not unusual for her to be stopped by strangers and complimented on her beautiful porcelain skin. She was beautiful inside and out. She appreciated the value of a good laugh and a good dessert. In her presence, one often enjoyed both, as well as lively conversations on a variety of subjects. She possessed a sharp mind (researching investments, staying up on current events, and reading) and a great sense of humor. One of the many lessons that she taught was the ability to laugh at oneself and not take oneself too seriously. She had a great love for life and all the goodness therein.

Especially in the past year, she persevered through multiple health challenges and exhibited strength, grace and faith throughout. Her love for the Lord, family, and friends endures in her physical absence. Her family (and many others) are filled with gratitude for her life of love and thankful for the peace that she now has in the presence of the Lord. To Him be the glory for all of His blessings.

The family will be receiving friends Saturday, November 29 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of her life at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the First Baptist Church of Columbus.

They request that you wear bright colors in honor of Janice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to: The First Baptist Church of Columbus 212 12th Street Columbus, GA 31901 Or THE DANDELION PROJECT for Military Children JDLock 13 Northwood Lane Schwenksville, PA 19473