Janice Emery, 89, formerly of Twelve Mile, passed away peacefully at home in Swannanoa, N.C., surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose kindness, devotion and vibrant sprit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Janice was a devoted wife and encouraging mother, raising her children with love, faith, support and a strong emphasis on the value of education. After raising her family, she achieved a lifelong dream by earning her bachelor’s degree and embarking on a career at Army and Air Force Exchange Service that allowed her to travel the world. Her strong faith and advocacy for education inspired generations, as she encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue God, their studies and dreams wholeheartedly.
Survivors include her cherished children from her first marriage, her two sons, Ron (Marcy) Rasberry, Logansport; Rick Rasberry, Dallas, Texas; twin daughters, Rebecca (Frank) Cawley, Dallas, Texas; and Rhonda (John) Devan, Asheville, N.C.; grandchildren, Ron’s son, Cody; Rick’s children, Roarke, Alex, Zane, Zander, and Elise; Rebecca’s children, Britney (Adam) Bazuldua and their daughter, Celisse; Gabriel (Jill) Gonzalez, and their children, Gibson and Skylar; and Morgan Cawley and Kendall Cawley; Rhonda’s children, Jordan (Camilo) Sosa, Ashley (Jonathan) Kayembe, and their son, Maverick; and Madison Devan.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Bessie Dillon.
She was born in Miami, Fla., but raised in Logansport, where she attended high school and later returned and reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Bob Emery. They married later in life and spent their retirement years together, traveling, enjoying life on their farm, and cherishing their shared love for fishing at the pond, gardening, attending church, euchre club, family and the simple joys of country living.
She also cherished her special time with Bob’s family; his sons, Dale (Kim) Emery, and Jerome Emery; his daughter, Julie (Robert) Schroder; his sister, Pauletta Shafer and her children, Tammy (Mike) Koiro, and Brian Shafer; his grandchildren Lacey (Eric) Emery, Drew (Travis) Emery, Nathan (Wendy) Schroder, and Neil (Britni) Schroder and his five great-grandchildren, Baxton, Lillyn, Maxine, Parker, Carter and Tyler.
Janice adored her and Bob’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding immense joy in their presence and accomplishments. She loved dancing, reading, art, playing cards with friends and family, and attending Bible study, where she deepened her faith and connection to her community.
Janice’s husband, Bob Emery, preceded her in death in February 2017, but their love and laughter together left a lasting legacy. She will be remembered for how her warmth and compassion touched everyone around her, and she will be forever loved and missed by her family and friends.
The family will host a celebration of Janice’s extraordinary life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Fulton Community Church, 7457 Liberty Ave., Fulton, followed by a luncheon and continued time of fellowship.
Visitation time will start at 10 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to support educational programs or her faith to Dallas Baptist University https://www.dbu.edu/ where she earned her bachelor degree or Valley Hope https://www.valleyhope.church/ where she attended church or the Fulton Community Church, Fulton.
