She was born October 6, 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Howard and Kathleen Arp. She met a young man, Robert Bayless, from Ardmore, Tennessee. They were married and she followed him home to The Farm, where she would become a devoted wife, country girl, and a loving cherished member of the community. Together they prospered and raised 2 children , John (Deanna) Bayless and Anne (Ellis) Chatterton. She was a gardener, woodcarver, head cheerleader for her family, and was always ready to prepare a hot meal for anyone. It was once said, “She was a really good cook for a skinny woman.” Janice loved people in general and always strived to help others any way she could. She loved her church but hated drama and politics. She loved Annie, her faithful dog, her two cats and her chickens but hated snakes. Janice was a quiet, private person but could stand her ground when needed and finally learned to cuss in her later years.
Janice is survived by her children and grandchildren Hank and Luke Bayless, Lane and Adeleine Chatterton, her brother Dan (Cindy) Arp, and a host of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
She will be celebrated by a graveside service at Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore, Tennessee at 3pm, Wednesday, July 14. Visitation will follow at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cash Point Baptist Church of Ardmore, Tennessee.
