Janice’s sweet, kind, loving spirit left this earthly world to join her heavenly father on March 16, 2020, after 79 years of life. She was born on a rural farm in Craig County, Va., on July 10, 1940. She is preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, and the love of her life, Irivn “Red” Furrow, who were all waiting for her at the gates of Heaven.
Janice leaves behind two loving and devoted daughters, Kathy Lester and husband Michael of New Castle, Va., and Karen Link of Newport, Va. Her granddaughters, Holly Brickey of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Kelly Brickey of Covington, Va., will greatly miss their Gran Jan.
Janice lived a full and colorful life. She owned a dairy farm on Route 42 and worked at Virginia Tech for several years. She loved being active and was always ready for an adventure. She enjoyed road trips, shopping, and dining out. She loved people and telling stories, reminiscing on years past.
Always humble, Janice never acknowledged her outer or inner beauty but those around her knew her loving and caring spirit. She was a comic in her own right, always bringing laughter to her friends and family. She also had a candid way of telling it how it was. There is not a person who met Janice who did not fall in love with her.
Janice meant so much to her family. In this difficult time, they find comfort in the things she loved: flowers (especially orchids), raspberry ice cream, a cup of coffee with lots of sugar, clouds, manicures, the color purple, birds chirping, banana pudding, freshly styled hair and a big serving of Kathy’s potato salad.
They enjoy sharing stories of her and recalling even the small details, like how she hated to cook but made the best fried chicken in her old iron skillet.
Janice’s hands showed her years of hard work but remained soft and loving. Her hands touched many pieces of needlework and performed many acts of kindness. They snapped many green beans. Her hands gave many loving pats to many a pet but most of all her hands have forever left fingerprints on the hearts of all who knew her.
Janice was a child of Christ and a lifelong member of Level Green Christian Church. In recent years, she attended Crossroads Christian Church. Besides God and family, her biggest love was for all animals. She took in many animals and gave them a home over the years. Everyone’s pets became family members to her and they all knew her as “Granny” and that she would have a treat for them tucked in her pocket. Colby, Roxy, Diesel, Razi, Sunday, Bluebell, Sallie, Frankie, Annie, Pixie and Lucky will miss her immensely.
The family would like to say thank you for all the cards, calls, texts, and visits during Janice’s recent health challenges. Also, they want to say a special thank-you to her doctors, nurses, and Gentle Shepherd Hospice with angels disguised as her final caretakers.
Per her request, Janice will not have a visitation or public service. The graveside service will be private and arranged by McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. In honor of her memory donations can be made to the Humane Society.
Janice Marie Furrow: Mama, Granny, Gigi, neighbor, and friend will be greatly missed.
