Janice Hunt McDonald's Obituary
A Life of Faith, Love, and Devotion: Honoring Janice Bennett Downs Hunt McDonald (82) April 30, 1942 – January 27, 2025
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Janice Bennett Downs Hunt McDonald, who entered her eternal home on January 27, 2025. Surrounded by her loving family, Janice left behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless love, and selfless devotion. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, she was a guiding light of kindness and grace, reflecting God’s love in all that she did.
Janice was born at home on April 30, 1942, in San Augustine, Texas, to Pauline Steptoe Downs and Mather Conway “Lefty” Downs. As the eldest of five daughters, she lovingly took on the role of a nurturing role model and a constant source of love and encouragement for her sisters. She carried these same virtues throughout her life, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and faith. The family first settled in Longview, Texas, where Janice attended Mobberly Avenue Baptist Church, where she began her lifelong walk with Christ. Later, the family moved to Henderson, Texas, where she was saved and baptized at First Baptist Church and attended Henderson High School..
Janice embraced her greatest calling in life—the role of a devoted mother and homemaker. She found true fulfillment in creating a Christ-centered, loving home where she raised her four children to be strong, faithful, and compassionate. She modeled the love of Jesus in her daily life, always extending a helping hand, a listening ear, and a heart full of grace. Her greatest passion was her Savior, and her deepest joy was her family. One of her most cherished adventures was traveling on an African safari with her eldest daughter, Teresa, an experience they both treasured forever.
Janice had an extraordinary gift for making people feel valued, appreciated, and deeply loved. Her sweet and happy spirit, radiant smile, and generous heart left an unforgettable impact on those around her. As the years passed, she lovingly welcomed Ashish and Jo Lynn Singh and their family into her heart, embracing them as her own and expanding the family she cherished so deeply.
Known affectionately as Nanny, Janice adored being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found immense joy in celebrating her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s milestones, offering endless love, encouragement, and wisdom. She was the heart of family gatherings, ensuring that faith, love, and joy were at the center of every moment shared. Her legacy of warmth, faith, and kindness will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured and inspired.
Janice is survived by her devoted husband, Johnnie Lynn McDonald; her loving sisters, Kathy Brady and Bobbie Enloe, both of Henderson, Texas; and her precious children: Teresa Lynn Blount of Plano, Texas; Jenna Elizabeth Summers of Austin, Texas; Paula Faye Vansickle of Virginia; and Teddy Conway Hunt of Tyler, Texas. She also leaves behind seven treasured grandchildren and twelve precious great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life, all of whom adored their Nanny, who was truly the heart of their family.
Janice is now rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with her parents, Pauline Steptoe Downs and Mather Conway “Lefty” Downs; her first husband of 49 years, John Fleming Hunt; her second husband, Murray Sanders; her sisters, Glenna Joe Holder and Patricia Brewer; and her dear nephew, Tony Joe Hunt. Though her absence leaves an empty space in our hearts, we find peace in knowing she is resting in the presence of the Lord, embraced by His eternal love.
Pallbearers will be all her grandsons Jason Ozment, Jeremiah Ozment, Johnathan Cobbs, Jacob Vansickle, and Aaron Vansickle. Honorary Pallbearers James Brady, Barry Blount and Kevin McDonald. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor her life, share precious memories, and reflect on the immense love she poured into the world.
Janice, your unwavering faith, love, and kindness will forever guide us. Your gentle spirit and joyful presence will remain in our hearts, a constant reminder of God’s grace and the power of a life lived with love.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23
Forever cherished. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
Memorial Services for Janice will be held at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Henderson on Monday, February 3 at 2 pm.
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