Janice Kay Williamson passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a long and bravely fought battle with rheumatoid arthritis the morning of March 8, 2017 in Billings, Montana. Janice was the youngest of seven children born on January 1, 1959 to Francis A. and Frances M. Griffin at St. John’s Hospital in Helena.
The family lived in Helena until 1966 when they moved to the Havre/Harlem area before returning to Helena in 1973. Janice graduated from Capital High School in 1976.
After high school, Janice enlisted in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1978.
In 1979 Janice married Wes, her devoted husband of 37 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Jessica Lynn and Heather Rae.
Janice had a calling in finance and throughout the years held various positions maintaining books in Helena. In 1999 she and Wes settled for small town life in Manhattan, Montana. Continuing her pursuit of finance, Janice worked diligently and earned her B.A. in Accounting in 2007.
Janice had many passions in her life and was always busy pursuing them. She was an excellent cook and always eager to try a new recipe. Her green thumb was well known, as the house in Manhattan was always adorned with blooms from early spring until fall. Her lively personality was known in the community, and she could frequently be found dining with friends at Sir Scott’s Oasis. Lastly, her greatest delight was being a grandmother. Her two grandsons, Finn and Brooks, were her pride and joy. She never missed their birthdays, holidays, sporting events or their nightly FaceTime video conversations before bedtime.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles, and her granddaughter Caroline.
She is survived by her husband Wes, daughters Jessica (Wes) Thompson, Heather (Shaun) Jones, and grandsons Finn and Brooks Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings Evie (Mick) Martin, Oliver (Rita Belcher) Griffin, Linda McNeill, Ronald Griffin, Colleen (Lyle) Taborsky, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Janice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 17, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday March 17, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Services
Friday March 17, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 17, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday March 17, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Services
Friday March 17, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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The Jones's says
May you see God’s light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.
~ Irish Blessing
Rick & Barb Olson says
Jesse we are so sorry for the loss of your Mother, May all the wonderful memories that you shared with her help you through your
Time of sorrow.
Peace,
Rick & Barb Olson (Jana’s parents)
Randy Heaton says
I so sorry Janice.