Janice Lynn Baker

Janice’s motto was “Live Without Regrets,” and that’s exactly what she did! She had no regrets with the people she loved. She made sure they knew how she felt, and she made the most of the moments she had with them. The people who loved her most used these words to describe her: Inspiration. Impact. Fighter. Strength. Positive. Friend. She had no regrets with Jesus either, having trusted her heart to Him at an early age. Recently, loved ones would ask Janice how she was on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best. While they all hoped and prayed for the best days for her, Janice’s encouragement to them was, “I’ll be a 1 when I’m standing in front of my Lord and Savior.” Today, we know that she is a 1. She believed and clung to the truth of one of her favorite verses, “O, Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me,” (Psalm 139:1-5). Janice Lynn Mikeal Baker was born on June 30, 1969 in Elgin, Texas to Cleo and Marie Mikeal. She went home to be with Jesus on April 26, 2019. She married the love of her life Jody Lynn Baker on April 16, 1988, and they had 5 amazing children--Courtney Marie, Jordan Anthony, Hanna Lynn, Jayden Austin, and Janaya Hope. Together, they were known as the Baker 7. To the core of her being, Janice believed in family, and she spent countless hours supporting her children. Whether it was Courtney’s Basic Training Graduation, Jordan and Jayden’s football games, Hanna marching with the Hornet Band, or Janaya’s volleyball games, Mama was there! Their home was also a place other people felt welcome and safe. She and Jody were foster parents for 42 children. She was the most kind-hearted and compassionate drill sergeant you could ever meet! Her other family could be found at the Region I Director’s Office and University Heights Baptist Church. She ran a tight ship, where cleanliness was next to Godliness, but she did it all with love. She is preceded in death by her parents Marie and Cleo Mikeal. Janice is survived and remembered best by her husband of thirty-one years Jody and their children Courtney, Jordan, Hanna, Jayden, and Janaya. She is also survived by siblings Sam Hammond and husband Bill of San Antonio, TX, Amy Myers of Pampa, TX, Diana Garza of Pampa, TX; mother-in-law and father-in-law David and Lavelle Baker of Lubbock, TX; brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Christi Baker of Lubbock, TX; Vegas mom Jan Kluever of Las Vegas, Nevada; and a multitude of family and friends. The family would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to their #teamjanice family and the Cancer Centers of America, both groups that have shown incredible love and support during Janice’s brave fight! The celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Without Regrets Foundation in Janice’s name.

Janice Lynn Baker

June 30, 1969 - April 26, 2019