Celebration of Life
Janice Mae Gilliard October 22, 1936 - December 23, 2021
His Eye is on the Sparrow Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart feel lonely, And long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion, A constant Friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches over me. I sing because I’m happy I sing because I’m free His eye is on the sparrow, And I know, He watches over me. Songwriters: Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel
Janice Mae Gilliard Celebration of Life October 22, 1936 – December 23, 2021
January 15, 2021 | 4:00 PM MST | Virtual | Moderated by Miriam Lewis
His Eye is On the Sparrow Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount Old Testament Scripture Reading | Psalm 23 New Testament Scripture Reading | Philippians 3:20-21 Prayer of Solace Tributes Children, Grandchildren, Siblings, Family and Friends Video Presentation Obituary We Come This far by Faith and I will Trust in the Lord Medley Donnie McClurkin Eulogy Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr., Pastor Zion Temple Pentecostal Apostolic Faith Church Committal Pastor Terrence H. Hughes, New Covenant Church Alpha and Omega Ministries One of These Mornings | Patti Labelle Video | Cynthia Martin Sing Along | He’ll Welcome Me The New Life Community Choir featuring Pastor John P. Kee Closing Prayer Balloon Release
Janice Mae Gilliard Sunrise October 22, 1936 – Sunset December 23, 2021
On October 22, 1936, in Myrtlewood Alabama, a beautiful soul was born as Jesse Mae Hudson. Somewhere along the way she came to be known as Janice – and there were a few who lovingly
nicknamed her Jent. Her parents were Nathaniel Hudson and Albernice Williams. Janice was the oldest of 13 siblings, all of whom she loved deeply.
In 1955, Janice graduated from Mobile County Training School, the first
Black high school in the state of Alabama. In her early twenties, she moved to Los Angeles, California where she met and married her beloved husband
of 35 years, Ralph Jerald Gilliard. The couple gave birth to their first child Cynthia in 1962, and in 1966 they packed up and moved to Denver Colorado. In 1967, they gave birth to their second child Ralph Jerald, II. Eight years later, just when Ralph and Janice thought they were done having children, they rounded out the family by giving birth to a beautiful
baby girl, LaNunita. Janice attended Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver, completed their Cosmetology Program and passed the State Board to become a licensed Cosmetologist. She was a practicing hairstylist for several years. After leaving the beauty industry, Janice was a foster mom, worked for National American Bankcard, Storage Technologies and Cobe Labs. Janice was a kindhearted and generous person. She loved taking care of other people and always put their needs ahead of her own. As kind as she was, she was also fearless.
She possessed a quiet strength and would bravely stand her ground whenever necessary. Janice loved music and she loved to dance. These two things gave her a place of solace and joy during some of her toughest times.
Janice was a strong and resilient woman. She became a widow in 1996 after caring for her husband Ralph for close to 12 years. She
was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 64, which she endured without complaint. She lost her eyesight to
glaucoma at the age of 78, which was a heartbreaking blow to her independence. Soon after, Janice battled the devastating effects of dementia, but dementia
could not stop her from praying. She prayed persistently, every day from the time she awakened until she fell asleep at night. While she couldn’t always
recognize her closet family members, God remained in every memory. Deep within she knew “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”
II Corinthians 5:8. And so, during the early morning hours of December 23,
2021, she went “back home” as she would say, to be with her Lord and Savior just as she had petitioned in prayer.
Janice leaves to cherish her memory a loving family including two daughters, Cynthia (Jonathan) and
LaNunita; one son, Ralph Jerald II; two grandsons, Shane and Antonio; one granddaughter, Jayda; one great grandson, Zi’Aier; one great granddaughter
Genesis; six sisters, Naomi, Maxine, Diane, Gwen,
Rachelle and Carolyn (Ed); six brothers, Steve, Cleophas (Sharon), Wilder, Isaac, Maurice and Kevin; two aunts, Mattie Ruth and Angela; and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
My heart remembers those moments when you made me feel so special. Tender kisses on my forehead, wiping away my tears and putting band-aids on my scraped knees. The care you took in combing my hair and getting me dressed for church on Sunday mornings. The love in your eyes and the depth of your heart were always so pure and honest. The lessons you taught me, the sacrifices you made for me and the prayers you prayed over me have shaped me in so many beautiful ways. I thank God for giving us one another, as daughter, as mother. I love you always, and yes, I know, you loved me more. – Cynthia Martin
Mom, You understood me. Thank you for always being there for me. You were always there for all of your children. You taught us so much. You carried so much. You overcame so much. You were so strong. But, I understood it when you said you were tired.
Although I will miss you with all of my heart, I know you are now at peace and your spirit is free. I know you will always be with me. I love you, Jerald
Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into Infinity. Terri Guillemets
My mother embodied the spirit of a warrior.
She taught us about
strength, love, loyalty, respect, forgiveness, integrity, and the importance of family. She taught us right from wrong and instilled a multitude of other values in us. She was our protector. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to keep us safe. And rhythm... I’m pretty certain we got it from our mother. Thank you for loving us mom. Your presence will be missed. I love you, Nita
WE LOVE OUR GRANNY
and we are going to miss her so much. How can we ever find the words to describe what she meant to us. Her home was our home. Our parents swore she loved us more just because she went a little easier on us. But that’s what grandparents do. Just because she went easier doesn’t mean we could get away with everything. In her wisdom, she had a way of teaching us valuable lessons. And every once in awhile, she would pull out a switch. Granny, oh how we love and miss you. Thank you for loving us and making your home ours. Thank you for always believing in us and thank you for being there for each of us.
GRANNY aka PRETTY LADY Words can’t explain the love you gave me. You never underestimated me and challenged me with simply being a good person. You knew despite my butt being bad (a lil bit lol) you never whooped me, however, I understand what the face of disappointment looked like. You taught lessons that didn’t have to be spoken on and for that I’m grateful. I appreciate your love, it was so unconditional to me, your hugs meant the most to me because they came at the right times of my life when only you could fix it. A lot of things I didn’t understand until I grew up, but now I know that you did it just for me. A make a way type of women that I never heard complain until this day, I can’t think of a time. I can tell you now I use to take late night cruises around the block lol, but I’m sure you knew that lol. Our Dairy Queen trips were so very special to me. I know one thing for sure, I miss you... and soon enough I’ll be able to hug you, and I pray to God that you are satisfied with me. Love you “pretty lady” Shane
Love, Your grandchildren Tony and Jayda and your great grands Zi’Aier and Genesis
A Tribute to My Sister Janice Gilliard I have so many precious memories of my sister — some serious, some fun and some just plain hilarious! I’m going to keep it light and share a hilarious memory. Janice worked and bought some of the most beautiful clothes. And one day I just had to wear one of her outfits to school. So, after she left for work, I slipped into one of her outfits. Unfortunately, that would be the one day that she beat me home. She looked at me and said, “I thought I smelt you in my clothes.” We both just laughed. Janice was just that type of person. She never held grudges and always looked past the small stuff. May we all keep Janice’s legacy alive. I miss my sister and am comforted in knowing that she is present with the Lord. Wear your crown, sis! I’ll always love you, Naomi
My sweet mothering sister Janice. I’m so glad I had a chance to hold your hands, laugh and see you smile. I’m going to miss you. I remember coming to California at the age of 19 and you helped me get my first job. You’ve always had open arms and doors for me and my family. We love you, Your brother Steve and family My big sister, Janice, was so happy when I came to live in California! I lived with her for a while and worked with Ralph. One day, I swallowed gasoline while trying to siphon it from a can for a machine at work. Ralph told me to go home and tell Janice. She made me drink a whole cup of cooking oil. She reminded me more than once about how she saved my life! That’s my big sister! Love you always Janice, Cle
My sister and I were very close even though we lived miles away from one another. We talked on the phone almost every day. Through the years, we had many wonderful conversations. I could talk to her about anything. But the most memorable conversation I had with her was a couple of weeks before she went to be with the Lord. It was special because my sister was struggling with dementia, which often got in the way and conversations didn’t always go smoothly. But on this one particular evening, I had my sister back. Her daughter, Cynthia called me on FaceTime and the three of us talked about old times, made jokes and laughed uncontrollably. I will never forget it. It was a special gift from God to my sister, my niece and I – that I will cherish always. Love you Janice and I miss you, Maxine
Resolution January 15, 2022
The siblings of Jesse Mae ‘Janice’ Hudson Gilliard are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our eldest sister. She has met her divine appointment with God and now is forever with Him. We realize that in God’s master plan of life there is death; however, even in death, the believer has victory. “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gave Janice the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, our dear nieces and nephew, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 12:55-58) Know that we are praying for you and stand with you in love, support and encouragement. We know that the God of all comfort will surround you with His peace and strength. Trust Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin on the authority of God’s Holy Word and you too will be received by Him and reunited with your father and mother who have done the same, to spend eternity together with the Lord! As a legacy to Janice, we pray that you will be thankful unto God for giving you such a wonderful mother and grandmother and that you will use the grief of his experience to push you toward your divine purpose and destiny. We, the siblings extend our deepest sympathy. God has promised never to leave you nor forsake you, so He is with you and His benefits are available to you even in this painful time. Prayerfully submitted on this 15th day of January 2022. Naomi, Steve, Cleophas, Maxine, Gwendolyn, Wilder, Rachelle, Diane, Terry, Carolyn, Maurice and Kevin
Janice loved her siblings. Every day she prayed “Fathers mothers, sisters brothers... Help Come Lord”
My teen years are memorable of Janice. Popcorn, sodas, good food or whatever we wanted. Many smiles and knowing it’s okay to have fun. She always backed it up with “Being a teenager can be fun.”
What can I say about my sister Janice accept I loved her and she loved me. She had love for all of her siblings. We talked just about every day. She was a sweet, good hearted lady, but she didn’t take no stuff. When I would visit her, she always made me feel like a king.
Thanks so much! Love Gwen
I’m going to miss her. We lived far away from one another, but there was no distance between our hearts. Rest in peace my dear sister, I love you! Wilder (Magoo) My dear sister Janice. When you lived in California during my early childhood you were always there for me. I would get so excited when we would come to spend the weekend with you and Ralph. We loved your home and the treats we would always receive. You would always take us to the drive-in movies and let us get anything we wanted. You were the best big sister. I was so sad when you moved to Colorado but loved when we came to visit you. You were always kind and your home was warm and welcoming. Every time we talked on the phone and I would say goodbye and I love you, your response was “I love you More.” You will be missed, my sister. You have earned your wings and are at peace with the Lord. I will not say goodbye but I will see you later. Love you, Rachelle My Sister Janice,
About our sister’s name... Jesse means God is gracious. Janice also means God is gracious. So even though she chose to be called Janice, the meaning of her name never changed. And Mae means goddess of springtime, warmth, exalted one, mother.
I love my sister and I am going to miss my sister. She was the oldest sister and I am the youngest sister. For as long as I have known and can remember, my sister was married and living in California. At the start of school every year she would send me plaid dresses, and around Christmas time she would send me baby dolls. Once I turned 13, during the summers she would send for me. She took care of me. She took me to amusement parks and Disneyland. Then she moved to Denver and once I graduated, I moved to Denver too. When I moved to Denver, they would only allow me to go two blocks beyond Colorado Blvd. I couldn’t go any further, it was too dangerous. This is where I met my husband Ted. If Janice and Ralph thought he and I had an argument or were mad at each other they would show up around 5:00 pm on Sunday evening, just to check on me. They were both very protective of me. No matter where she went I was there for her and she was there for me. When she had kids, my lovely nieces and nephew, who I love with all my heart, I was the babysitter. We have an unbreakable bond. My days, nights, and holidays will never be the same without her. She taught me how to cook and take care of myself. Janice, I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU. To all my nieces, just remember the babysitter! Diane
My sister/mother raised me during a very difficult time of my childhood. When I left Mobile to live with Ralph & Janice I was a mess! I stuttered something terrible. I also had a large umbilical hernia. I was teased horribly until my dear sweet sister and brother-in-law took me into their home! They had my hernia repaired and with patience and love helped me overcome my stuttering problem. I can’t imagine what would have become if it had not been for their love! The wonderful things I was taught and amazing people, places and things I was exposed to gave me a feeling of self-worth that I had never felt before! I can go on forever about the love that was given to me. I thank God for Ralph and Janice and rest assured they are in Heaven! I love you Janice! Isaac (Terry)
Janice had the sweetest heart and she showed it by loving all of her family. When I introduced her to my neighbors they thought she was my aunt, but I said “no she is my eldest sister” and that made me proud. One of the things I loved most was how she treated my mother. She was always kind, considerate, and respectful. They always showed how much they loved each other. Ed and Jonathan got the pleasure of meeting her when we visited Arvada when Jonathan was 5 months old. When I handed Jonathan to her, he went to her with no problem, which was rare. She won both their hearts immediately. It was an honor to have her stay with us in our home during her last visit to Los Angeles. I have so many wonderful memories that it’s difficult to list them, but when I think of Janice all I think about is No Pretense, No Judgment, Just LOVE. Love Always, Carolyn As a child, when visiting Janice and the family in Denver or being visited by Janice and the fam in Mobile, she would always assure the atmosphere was pleasant and conducive for us kids to develop our own personalities, she was always easy to talk to, about anything, and we did. As an adult, I recall Janice and I would have these one on one deep conversations about life situations, and one in particular, when she said “I didn’t think anyone thought like that but me,” I believe at that point, our relationship went to another level and I felt so much closer to my Big sister, always a classy lady, in fact, every time I see a Cadillac Eldorado, I think of Janice Thank YOU Jesus for Your promise to return and restore. AMEN!!! Love, Maurice My sister Janice was a motherly figure to me... Whenever I talked to her she would always ask all those motherly questions. It was reassuring to know I could lean on her wisdom whenever needed. Love you, Kevin
Afterglow
by Helen Lowrie Marshall
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Acknowledgment The family of Janice Mae Gilliard would like to express our sincere gratitude to family and friends for your support and beautiful expressions of love for our beloved mother. You are sincerely appreciated and have brought great comfort to our family during this time. May God bless each and every one of you! Committal | December 30, 2022 Final Resting Place Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO Professional Services Shannon & Malone Chapel of Peace Funeral Home