Janice Hollis Whitaker

Janice Hollis Whitaker, 77, departed this life for her Heavenly home on April 16, 2021.  Services will be held on Thursday April 22, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the 903 College Street Chapel of Memo rial Gunter and Peel Funeral Home and Crematory in Columbus, MS.  Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery . Visitation will be held Thursday one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Janice was born on June 15, 1943 in Vernon, AL, to the late J.B. Hollis and Adean Hawkins Hollis. She was an avid student, especially in math and graduated Central High School in Jackson, MS, in 1961.  Janice was the beloved wife of the late Stephan Whitaker.  They married in 2007 in a beautiful beachside ceremony in Cancun, Mexico. They lived together in Jackson, MS, before relocating to Alabama approximately seventeen years ago. They spent the last thirty years together raising their fur babies, Pokey and Chester, and spending time at home enjoying the beautiful sunsets from their back patio.  Janice had quite the green thumb and was known throughout her neighborhood for her beautiful flowers.  Steve and Janice also enjoyed attending country music concerts, travelling, watching football games, and spending time with family. She was a member of the Branch at Mission Hills in Alabaster, AL.  She often spoke of her church family and especially enjoyed her Sunday School group.

Janice is survived by two daughters Ginger Doyle of Columbus, MS, and Cindy (Don) Selzer of Indianapolis, IN. She is also survived by her siblings June (Butch) Bell of Columbus, MS, Dona (Darrin) Michel of Pearl, MS, and Phil (Alisa) Hollis of Brandon, MS.  She leaves behind many family members including eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one great grandchild on the way, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Darrin Michel, Don Selzer, Saxon Wilson, Sidney Wilson, Steely Wilson, and Sam Selzer.

Memorials in honor of Janice Whitaker may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org .