Janice Lavon Whitworth, 85, Joplin, Missouri, passed away early Friday morning, October 9, 2020, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living, Carthage, Missouri.
Janice was born September 13, 1935, in Sarcoxie, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas Fullerton and Lela (Whitaker) Fullerton. She was a 1954 graduate of Sarcoxie High School. She married Lynnes Andrews and to this union, a son was born. She then married Charles W. Whitworth on May 2, 1960, in Neosho, Missouri. Janice worked as engineering secretary for Schreiber Foods in Carthage for 30 plus years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Carthage, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed crafting, quilting, gardening, and painting, but most of all, loved her family. Janice was known for her infectious smile, loving personality, and above all, being the family prankster.
Survivors include her son, Craig Andrews (Gina), Bixby, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Abbey Bombach (Roger), Edmond, Oklahoma, Wade Andrews (Sara), Edmond, Oklahoma, Kyle Andrews (Kelsey), Denver, Colorado; five great-grandchildren, Karsten Bombach, Case Bombach, Kollins Bombach, Saige Andrews, and Austen Andrews; three sisters, Patty Beasley, Carthage, Mary Eaton, Carthage, and Helen Hunter, Carthage; three brothers, Jim Fullerton, Bulverde, Texas, Ron Fullerton, Lubbock, Texas, and Larry Fullerton, Joplin; and many extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Whitworth; two sisters, Betty Still and Linda Fullerton; and five brothers, Bob Fullerton, Bill Fullerton, Kenneth Fullerton, Richard Fullerton, and Steve Fullerton.
The family would like to give special thanks to her home healthcare team: Becky, Cindy, Sherene, Heather, Raina, and Katelyn.
Funeral services will be held 1 pm, Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at First Baptist Church, Carthage. Janice will lie in state for those who wish to sign the book and pay respects Monday, October 12, 2020, from 8 am – 5 pm at Knell Mortuary. Burial will follow at Dudman Springs Cemetery, east of Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association in care of Knell Mortuary.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
