Janice Brooks, 81, of Huntsville, AL passed away to her Heavenly Home on Monday, February 26, 2018. Janice was born February 21, 1937 in Hamilton, AL to Walter Dobson Harris and Jewel Howell Harris. She married William Brooks; had four children and was a full-time mother and homemaker until her children were independent. During those early years she was involved with volunteer work at East Clinton Elementary School. She taxied to Girl Scouts, dance and piano lessons and many sporting events. After earning her degree in nursing from Calhoun Community College, she worked at Huntsville Hospital for 30 years. During this period, she served as Surgery Clinical Coordinator. Known as a perfectionist who would tolerate no cutting of corners while demanding the safest care for her patients, she was often seen standing with a hand on her hip and sharp index finger directing the staff. She loved her profession and was actively involved with her professional organization, AORN. She trained countless nurses and physicians. A popular Christian motto in the 90s was WWJD, which her co-workers in CVOR understood as “What Would Janice Do”.
Following her retirement, Janice traveled frequently with her dear friend Betsy Cummings. They had met when their children were pupils at East Clinton Elementary School.
Janice was a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church. At Southside she was active with Sonshiners and Encouragers Sunday School Class.
Janice was predeceased by her son, James Michael Brooks; grandchildren, Jewel Marie Fabian and John Michael Meehan; her parents; her sister, Mildred Payton; her twin brothers, Don and Ron Harris.
She is survived by her daughters, Renee Fabian, Susan Brooks, and Laurel Meehan (Edward); grandchildren, Rachel Brooks Hill (Todd) of Duncanville, AL, Michael Ryan Brooks (Jeni) of Athens, AL, Dr. Margaret Janice Meehan Guthrie (Will) of Birmingham, AL, James Michael Fabian, Rebecca Catherine Rowan, Riley Brooke Fabian and Edward Joseph Meehan III all of Huntsville, AL; and great-grandchildren, Brooks and Griffin Hill, Charlie Grace Clark and Bo Brooks. Janice is also survived by her sister-in-law, Edith Bryant and many nieces and nephews, several cousins, and longtime friends Debbie Bearden, Betsy Cummings and Lily Willis.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3rd at Southside Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Robert Blackburn officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dean Sharp, Will Guthrie, Todd Hill, Wally Payton, Robert Sharp and Matt Christian.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Southside Baptist Church 209 Marsheutz Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801 or Christian Women’s Job Corps of Madison County, Alabama, Inc. 600 Governors Drive Huntsville, AL 35801.
